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LIPPI WANTS ITALY TO FOCUS
Lippi - warns Italy.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has warned his players not to be complacent ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Cyprus on Saturday.
This weekend's Group Eight clash is Lippis first competitive game since replacing Roberto Donadoni following the Euro 2008 disappointment.
Lippi, who led the Azzurri to World Cup glory in Germany two years ago, knows his team must bounce back from their poor display in Austria and Switzerland with a win in Larnaca.
"The time for words ends now," said Lippi. "The only thing that counts is facts.
"We want three points and we know that our defence of the world title also begins here in Cyprus.
"We will not make a mistake of underestimating our opponents, because it would mean that we haven't understood anything."
Lippi is expected to field his strongestgainst the Cypriots but refused to give anything away.
"I need to announce the list first to my players," he added.
"One thing is certain, we want to use all of our available weapons."
The good news for Lippi is that Juventus forward Alessandro Del Piero passed a late fitness test and is likely to be available for Saturdays showdown.
"He trained separately from the group today and we will evaluate his condituld be ready for the game against Cyprus."
Captain Fabio Cannavaro will return to guide the Azzurri on the pitch having fully recovered from an ankle injury that prevented him from representing the Azzurri this summer.
Lippis only dilemma is who will play alongside Luca Toni in attack.
Should Del Piero not recover, Antonio Di Natale is likely to edge Fiorentinas Alberto Gilardino and partner Toni.
The Bayern Munich forward is eager to deliver after he failed to score at Euro 2008, despite an impressive debut season in the Bundesliga.
The Azzurri were eliminated by Spain on penalties in the quarter-finals.
"After the Euros, I went to the coast on holiday in the hope of not seeing anyone," said Toni, who has struck 15 goals for the Azzurri.
"It caused me the most bitterness of my career even though bad luck played a part in it."
Underdogs Cyprus know they face a huge task if they wish to upset the world champions.
"We face strongt his teams chances at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium and believes his side will do their island proud.
"I've got faith in my players," he said. "I'm optimistic because of the players I have in the national team ation and passion that they possess.
"Naturally our aim is to win the game, the issue is how do we achieve this target."
