Lippi names squad for Europe XI match against Manchester United

Former Italy coach Marcello Lippi relied on the backbone of his World Cup team, and added Brazilians Ronaldinho and Ronaldo to his Europe XI squad Monday for a charity match against Manchester United.

Photo: Lippi names squad for Europe XI match against Manchester United

The celebration match at Old Trafford on Tuesday marks United's 50 years in European competition and also the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which created the European Union.

Lippi also included FC Barcelona defender Carles Puyol, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard.

"The history of Manchester United is tied up with that of Europe," former United great Bobby Charlton said. "Some of the club's greatest moments have been played out on a European stage."

Henrik Larsson, who scored in his last match for United in last week's 1-0 Champions League victory over Lille, will line up on the Europe team against the players who were his teammates since the beginning of the year.

Like Larsson, David Beckham was originally scheduled to play for the Europe XI against his former team but is sidelined with a knee injury, reports AP.

Italy teammates Marco Materazzi, Fabio Grosso, Gianluca Zambrotta, Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo were also named in the team.