Toni: ‘Italy lack top strikers’

By Football Italia staff

Luca Toni laments Italy’s lack of strikers “used to playing at a high level” such as himself or Alessandro Del Piero.

The Verona veteran won the World Cup with the Azzurri in 2006, beating Germany in the semi-final.

As Antonio Conte’s side prepare to meet the current world champions on March 29, the big striker discussed the current forward line with Bild.

“We don’t have strikers used to playing at a high level, used to handling the pressure,” Toni explained.

“People like [Filippo] Inzaghi, Del Piero, [Francesco] Totti or like me. That’s depressing.

“But on Tuesday Italy will do everything to put in a great performance, games against Germany are always special.”

Toni was also asked about the situation on the bench at his former club Bayern Munich, with Carlo Ancelotti to replace Pep Guardiola this summer.

“Pep and I are friends, every time I go to Munich we meet. He told me that he decided to leave because after three years he needs a new challenge and wants to expand his horizons.

“I think he can leave Munich after winning the treble. It’ll be difficult, but the precedent of 2013 bodes well.

“Then it’s up to Ancelotti, and it’s not easy to improve this team which is already at a high level. Carlo has a wealth of experience though, he’s won the Champions League three times - he’s perfect for Bayern.

“We’re talking about a winner, he’s been successful wherever he’s gone, and he’s always nice to everyone: players, staff, journalists.

“Unfortunately I’ve never had him as a Coach, but everyone I’ve spoken to adored him.”

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