Italians running scared of SPL Pele!

Some top Italian stars are in fear of our own Ulises de la Cruz, with him being compared to Pele - that's right, PELE!

Cristiano Doni, who stars for Serie A cracks Atalanta, said of DLC: "I've been very impressed with him and feel tired just watching him. I would be lucky to control him on my own. I will just have to help Paulo Maldini to double up."

Italians fear DLC

Azzuri boss, the legendary Gianni Trapattoni admitted his side may change their usual formatioon to a flat 4-4-2 just to combat the threat of Ulises. Trapattoni said of the change: "It's a secure model that offers more protection. Their wing back De la Cruz is very fast."

In an interview with Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Totti spoke of his opinions on DLC. Totti said: "We have watched him on video and he was the one that makes a difference for the team. He looks very fast ... or maybe it was just the cassette. Let's hope so."

The Gazzetta amazingly asked the Roma striker who he most

Happy Del's not there!

compared him to, Maradona or Pele. Totti answered: "Mmm, perhaps Pele."

Totti added: "Although we're a bit nervous facing de la Cruz, we're just relieved that the Ecuador FA didn't find Derek Townsley a South American granny!" Ok, I made that last bit up, but it would have been cool, wouldn't it?!

Also, it has been reported in the Scotsman that de la Cruz will be allowed to return back to Easter Road later than the other players due to his participation in the World Cup.

Manager Bobby Williamson said: "Ulises will start back later than the rest of the boys, probably a week or so after them. You only have to look at the schedule he's endured to see why he was tiring mentally and physically a bit towards the end of the season."

BW added: "He's been all over the place and that takes it's toll although he's had that target of helping Ecuador make the World Cup finals for the first time to aim for. I'm sure that after the World Cup he'll want to get away from football for a few weeks but after that I'll be hoping he returns refreshed after a successful World Cup."