Trap opts for Totti and Vieri

Totti and Vieri lined up alongside each other in Italy's 4-0 victory over Vegalta Sendai in a practice match.

Afterwards, Trapattoni admitted that the starting line-up from that game would probably be the team to take the field against the South Americans on Monday.

"The team for the first game could be this one. I have seen the latest step forwards," said Trapattoni.

Barring any drastic, late alterations, Italy will commence their World Cup challenge deploying a 4-4-2 formation.

That would be a change from qualifying when Trapattoni favoured a three-man defence.

The main beneficiary of the tactical switch is Cristiano Doni while Alessandro del Piero and Vincenzo Montella miss out, with the Roma striker bitterly disappointed at the decision.

Montella said: "I'm surprised that Totti thinks he and del Piero would be the best partners for Vieri as I expected to be helped by my team-mates.

"Francesco knows how well I played as the second forward with Roma. I honestly hoped to play but Trap has changed his gameplan."

Italy's likely line-up vs Ecuador: Buffon; Panucci, Nesta, Cannavaro, Maldini; Zambrotta, Tommasi, Di Biagio, Doni; Vieri, Totti.