Donadoni right choice for Italy: Trapattoni

Dubai: Former Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni feels the current lot is the best-ever squad that Italy has been blessed with for a long, long time.

"I think Italy is undoubtedly the best team in the world at the moment," Trapattoni told Gulf News in an exclusive chat.

Trapattoni is in Dubai for the next few days with the Red Bull Salzburg team for a short winter break.

"Take a look at the line-up and you will see why Italy is the best team around," said Italy's coach for the 2002 World Cup in Korea-Japan.

"With Buffon on goal and the likes of Cannavaro, Gatuso, Toni... practically every one has the star appeal," he added.

Trapattoni has impressed both as player and coach, having donned colours for AC Milan and later going on to coach Juventus, Inter Milan and then Bayern Munich.

In 2002, he was entrusted with the task of leading the Italian challenge at the Fifa World Cup, but saw his team flop against South Korea.

"This team that won the World Cup has all the qualities of a champion side," he remarked.

"They started slowly. But once they started winning - and the win against Germany was crucial - there was no stopping Italy," Trapattoni recalled.

"Brazil might have a team full of talented players. But when it comes down to collective effort, I think there aren't many teams to challenge the superiority of the Italians," he added.

The pleasant Italian was of the firm opinion that goalkeeper Buffon should have been the automatic choice for Fifa Player of the World Cup.

"Cannavaro was important, but it was Buffon who made all the difference with his timely saves. I think he should been given the award instead of Cannavaro," Trapattoni reflected.

The former national coach threw his weight behind Donadoni, who has taken over from Marcello Lippi. "Donadoni has the experience and taste of winning major competitions. Though these have been club level tournaments, he still has the thirst to win. I think he is the best choice as Italy coach," he said.

"But I would still advise him to think as the Italian fans can get very demanding," Trapattoni added.