Intro:

Croatia coach Niko Kovac is set to field a weakened side against Argentina on Wednesday (12 November) as he rests players for the European Championship qualifier against Italy next week.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (Croatian) Niko Kovac, Croatia coach:

(on leaving players out of his squad for Argentina):

"The reason is simple. Our priority is the game against Italy in Milan because it's a qualifying match. We're not happy with the schedule and we would like to play against Argentina after Italy, but the European qualification schedule is the way it is. For a small football federation like Croatia it's important to use opportunities to play friendly matches, especially an opportunity like this, but I'm sure all the guys who are here are worthy of that chance and they will give their best, and I'm sure they'll play well against Argentina tomorrow."

SOUNDBITE: (Croatian) Niko Kovac, Croatia coach:

"My players are aware they are playing Argentina, but at the beginning of the match it's 0-0 and everything is possible in football. What I want from our players is good attitude, passion - the way we always want to play with Croatia. I expect that from them tomorrow."