csconstantine.com

BERLIN (AP)—Germany coach Joachim Loew plans to resist the urge to experiment and will start with his most experienced players in Dortmund friendly against Italy in Dortmund.

Five Borussia Dortmund players, including debutant Sven Bender, defender Mats Hummels and midfielder Mario Goetze, were called up for the friendly.

However, with early qualification for the 2012 European Championship a stated priority, Loew has indicated they may have to bide their time before as he seeks to build a settled team.

“A team which has already played together will take to the field,” Loew said Sunday.

The head coach is likely to have a full squad to choose from. Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira will travel despite concerns over a knee he injured in the team’s Spanish Cup win over Sevilla in midweek.

“Khedira shouldn’t be a problem for the game on Wednesday,” Loew said.

If the former Stuttgart player misses out, Bender could receive his debut in a defensive midfield role, especially as Loew has postponed a possible comeback for Michael Ballack until possibly after the games against Kazakhstan and Australia in March.

“I was surprised to be picked,” Bender said. “First of all I’m happy to be involved. There are so many good players here that you can learn more from them.”

Initially, Loew wants to observe the 21-year-old Dortmund ball-winner in training.

“I want to see him and test him for two or three days,” the coach said.

Marcel Schmelzer and Kevin Grosskreutz complete the Bundesliga leader’s quintet, and former Germany coach and player Franz Beckenbauer says it “logical” for them to play.

“The best should play in the national team, even if they’re young,” Beckenbauer said.

Loew has ruled out moving Schweinsteiger into a more attacking position, where he currently plays for Bayern Munich.

“In attack we have (Mesut) Oezil, (Toni) Kroos, Goetze, (Lewis) Holtby,” Loew said. “And Bastian in the (defensive) six-position gives us a lot of ball contact, stability and organization.

“Starting with the Italians is a very interesting game. I’m sure we will learn a lot.”

Labels: against, Experience, Germany, Italy, stick