New coach Donadoni tries new look Italy team

MILAN, Aug 15 (Reuters) Italy will field an experimental side when the world champions take on Croatia in a friendly tomorrow.

New coach Roberto Donadoni has rested the entire World Cup squad apart from third-choice goalkeeper Marco Amelia, who did not play in the triumphant campaign in Germany.

Donadoni, who replaced Marcello Lippi after Italy beat France in last month's final in Berlin, gave eight players their first call-ups for the match in Livorno.

The game is Italy's first since the verdicts in the match-fixing scandal which resulted in Juventus being stripped of the last two league titles and relegated to Serie B.

Tomorrow's fixture is a special occasion for former AC Milan midfielder Donadoni, who will be on the bench at the Livorno stadium where he established himself as a coach.

Scouts from Italy's Euro 2008 qualifying opponents will get few clues on how Donadoni's Italy will differ from Lippi's team.

GREAT HUNGER ''I want to see a side that has great hunger and desire,'' said Donadoni.

''Everyone wants to beat the world champions and we have to expect that, it is one of the rules of sport. We need to have our engine going at full power because being world champions is a matter of great pride and responsibility.'' Croatia are looking upon the game as an important test ahead of their opening Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia in Moscow on September 6.

''In a way it's convenient the world champions will not field their best team,'' said coach Slaven Bilic.

''Italy's players who are not normally in the spotlight will certainly take this opportunity. That's why I expect a competitive game.'' Bilic has recalled 32-year-old midfielder Milan Rapaic of Standard Liege, who last played for the national team at the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal.

Igor Tudor is missing because of injury while fellow defenders Dario Simic and Josip Simunic are suspended.

Reuters PM GC0857