Italy drop Totti, Australia make three changes

KAISERSLAUTERN, June 26 (Reuters) Italy coach Marcello Lippi sprang a surprise by dropping forward Francesco Totti in favour of Alessandro Del Piero for their World Cup second round game against Australia today.

Lippi, who left Totti out for the first time at these finals, also omitted winger Mauro Camoranesi and brought back striker Luca Toni to partner Alberto Gilardino in an attacking 4-3-3 lineup.

As expected, Marco Materazzi replaced the injured Alessandro Nesta in the centre of defence.

Australia made three changes from the team who drew 2-2 with Croatia in their last group game.

Mark Schwarzer is preferred to Zeljko Kalac in goal, midfielder Luke Wilkshire comes in for the suspended Brett Emerton and Marco Bresciano replaces Harry Kewell.

Kewell, who scored the equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Croatia, is nursing a groin problem.

REUTERS PDS RK2032