Peruzzi problems for Trap

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni has an unusual goalkeeping headache as he prepares to officially announce his final Euro 2004 squad on Wednesday.

With no major injury worries among the squad, Trapattoni's decision would have been a fairly straightforward one, were it not for Lazio goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi.

Having performed well all season for Lazio, Trapattoni selected Peruzzi as the third-choice goalkeeper for Portugal, telling him that his experience would be vital, especially since his first and second choices, Gianluigi Buffon and Francesco Toldo had both experienced their difficulties.

Peruzzi, though, had considered himself as the second-choice keeper behind Buffon, until the friendly against Tunisia on May 30th when Trapattoni admitted Toldo would still be above him in the pecking order.

Now, just as at Euro 2000 when Peruzzi withdrew from the squad in protest at being selected as the third-choice shot-stopper, Trapattoni risks losing him again for the competition.

Peruzzi is expected to meet with Trapattoni to discuss the situation, but if the coach confirms his decision to put him at number three it is likely the 34-year-old will leave the Italian training camp.

If it does comes to that, it is thought Roma's Ivan Pelizzoli will come into the squad, having already been put on stand-by by Trapattoni in case of injuries.