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LIPPI HAS FORWARD OPTIONS
Lippi - yet to reveal decision.
Italy take on Bulgaria in Saturday's World Cup qualifier with coach Marcello Lippi refusing to reveal who will play up front.
With Lippi set to continue with the lone forward system, Bayern Munich's Luca Toni and Fiorentina's Alberto Gilardino will be battling for one spot in the Azzurri's starting XI.
In-form Gilardino appears to be the number one candidate, having struck four goals so far this campaign in Serie A, while Toni is struggling in front of goal.
Having scored three goals in the early stages of the Bundesliga, the former Fiorentina hitman has not found the net since September 13.
Lippi is, however, unfazed by this fact.
"If a player is not brilliant for their club, it does not necessarily mean that he is out of form," said Lippi. "His performance depends on many factors, including his team-mates and the coach."
One player that will start is Pepe, who has shone for Udinese this campaign and will make his debut on Saturday in Sofia.
The Udinese player will replace injured Mauro Camoranesi on the right wing while Antonio Di Natale will take his place on the left.
"Pepe is a player that I really like," admitted Lippi. "He has quality and plays good football."
Despite the setbacks encountered by the Azzurri due to numerous injury absentees - Gianluigi Buffon, Marco Materazzi, Nicola Legrottaglie, Marco Cassetti, Fabio Grosso, Andrea Pirlo, Mauro Camoranesi, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Marco Borriello - Lippi is upbeat about his team's chances heading into the encounter at Bulgaria and next week's clash against Montenegro.
"I am very confident," he said. "I am really satisfied with how the team has worked this week.
"The young players have adapted really well."
Italy top Group Eight with six points, two more than the Republic of Ireland, after victories against Cyprus and Georgia last month.
With the world champions having been forced to reshuffle their side due to injuries, Bulgaria will be hoping to take advantage and clinch their first triumph in qualifying.
Bulgaria, who have one game in hand, drew 2-2 at Montenegro last month.
It is Buffon's absence that has pleased Bulgarian captain Dimitar Berbatov the most.
"I am really happy that Buffon is not playing," said Berbatov. "Not just myself but all my team-mates.
"He is the symbol of Italy, the strongest goalkeeper in the world. I really believe we have been fortunate."
The Manchester United striker has recovered from a back injury sustained in training this week and is ready to lead his team this weekend.
"I was a little worried but the doctors have reassured me that is nothing serious," he said. "I feel better now and hence, I will play on Saturday."
Giorgio Chiellini will partner captain Fabio Cannavaro at the heart of defence while Palermo goalkeeper Marco Amelia will have the task of replacing Buffon.
