BADEN - Defenders Marco Materazzi and Christan Panucci sat out training yesterday, a day after Italy was routed 3-0 by the Netherlands in its European Championship opener.

BADEN - Defenders Marco Materazzi and Christan Panucci sat out training yesterday, a day after Italy was routed 3-0 by the Netherlands in its European Championship opener.

Materazzi bruised his calf during the match against the Dutch and Panucci required more rest after aggravating a right knee injury last week.

The training session began about an hour late because coach Roberto Donadoni held a lengthy team meeting in the locker room yesterday morning. Donadoni was set to face his critics, who questioned his team selection, at a news conference.

One newspaper, Turin-based sports daily Tutto Sport, ran a front page headline yesterday that read: "Give us back Lippi".

Donadoni was named Italy's coach when Marcello Lippi resigned after leading the Azzurri to the World Cup title two years ago. - Sapa-AP