Brazil The Best Team In The World - Marcello Lippi

Italy coach Marcello Lippi regards Brazil as Italy's biggest threat to Confederations Cup glory this month.

The Italians are busy preparing for the tournament after arriving in South Africa earlier today. The coach will be hoping to lead his side to lifting the trophy as he targets a repeat of their rise to greatness in Germany three years ago.



"For us, all tournaments are important. We expect to play excellent matches in South Africa," Lippi told FIFA.com

"We want to grow as a team and a working group. One of the most important things is to consolidate our strengths and exploit all the opportunities that come our way in the process of developing and becoming the best we can be."

The Italians will be expected to impress in a tournament which includes powerhouses Spain and Brazil. However, Lippi is not feeling the heat and believes his side can match the big guns.

"There is no pressure. We have a group who train and play well together and there is no pressure on us," added Lippi.

"Football is about being prepared mentally, you have to understand the psychological aspect of the game.

"Brazil? First of all, it is normal to see a lot of interest because Brazil are currently the strongest team in the world and Italy are the current world champions.

"There is nothing surprising about that. As for differences? The Brazilians are very strong, they are quick when they attack, they are a very dangerous team. Our styles are different - very different - so we can't really draw comparisons."

Italy clash with New Zealand in a friendly on Wednesday before kicking off their Confederations Cup campaign against the USA on June 15.