Italy coach Marcello Lippi talked about the state of affairs as his team prepare to defend their World Cup title next year in South Africa.

After leading Italy to their first World Cup trophy in 24 years in 2006, all Azzurri fans hope Marcello Lippi will be able to repeat himself come June 2010 when the World Cup moves to South Africa. Today the 60-year-old talked to Sky about the World Champions' current situation and the reasons behind some of his selections.

"The friendly against Brazil had been arranged a long time ago, we need to meet important teams," he commented. "They were very motivated in that match: they played against the World Champions, in a wonderful ambience, probably they are stronger than us, but they may no longer be a year and a half from now."

Asked at what point he is in the construction of a new Italy team, Lippi said: "I have to be very careful not to forget about some players who, despite the fact they are slightly older, have so much experience and intelligence that it's hard to let go of them.

"I did not come back to win another World Cup, certainly we will try with every bit of strength we have, but my objective is to build a group with the same mental strength and compactness as the one I had before."

On the possible return of Roma captain Francesco Totti, he commented: "He said we have such a good relationship, that if I would ever ask him, he is available. Both Totti and [Alessandro] Nesta took this decision, they are serious professionals, it wasn't easy for them but they felt they physically could not keep playing for both club and country, so we have to respect that."

On Alessandro Del Piero, who hasn't been called up for Italy's latest games: "I've known Del Piero for 14 years, and coached him 12 years. If I continue calling the same players, how can I see the others? If he is still in great conditions a year and a half from now, it's a different matter...

"[Antonio] Cassano? There are many players who are doing well, like [Sergio] Floccari, [Marco] Di Vaio. I am following many players, but it's not like I can call them up all at once.

"[Inter starlet Davide] Santon is a young player I like a lot, he seems predestined, he reminds me of Paolo Maldini when he was young. I'll leave [Claudio] Marchisio, [Sebastian] Giovinco, [Robert] Acquafresca to the Under 21 team, since they are playing the European tournament."

Danilo Pochini