Guangzhou playmaker Diamanti certain to play at World Cup, says Lippi
Italy star expected to lead the way as Chinese side take on Yokohama Marinos in AFC Champions League clash
Guangzhou Evergrande soccer coach Marcello Lippi is confident new signing Alessandro Diamanti will represent Italy at the World Cup in Brazil despite not being selected by Cesare Prandelli to face Spain last week.
The 30-year-old was not part of the squad that lost 1-0 to the world champions last Wednesday, but Lippi does not believe Diamanti’s shift to play in the AFC Champions League and the Chinese Super League will have a detrimental effect on his World Cup prospects.
“I don’t think playing in Asia will harm Diamanti’s opportunities with the Italy national team,” said Lippi.
“He’s been an Italy international for the last three years and this time he was not picked because now he is based in Asia and it was not worth it to make such a journey just for a friendly.
“I don’t know what Prandelli is thinking but, for me, Diamanti is definitely going to Brazil. Now, Asian football is very competitive and it won’t harm Diamanti.”
Diamanti was in stellar form on his debut in the AFC Champions League two weeks ago, scoring twice as Guangzhou defeated Central Coast Mariners and he will again be vital as the reigning Asian champions take on Yokohama Marinos in Japan on Wednesday night.
Lippi’s side won the opening game of the Chinese Super League defence at the weekend with a comfortable 3-0 success over Henan Jianye despite fielding a weakened line-up but the Italian is expecting a difficult task against the J.League runners-up.
”All the players coming to Japan with me are fit to play,” he said. “I have watched the game Yokohama played against Jeonbuk [in the AFC Champions League] and their 0-3 loss doesn’t reflect the process of the game.
”Yokohama are a good team and are skilful, so we will have to try very hard to get a good result.”
