Six to seven places still up for grabs in Italy squad

Italy coach Marcello Lippi has revealed there are six to seven places up for grabs in his squad for next year's World Cup.

The Azzurri will take on Sweden in a friendly in Cesena tomorrow, giving Lippi another opportunity to evaluate several candidates for those vacant positions.

"There are 16 or 17 players who already have their place secured for the World Cup," said Lippi.

"The rest I will have to select and consider on the basis of their roles to have a balanced side."

Lippi is expected to make wholesale changes to his team against Sweden following Saturday's 0-0 draw with Holland.

But he is not concerned about the lack of sharpness shown in the game against the Dutch.

"We don't need to play a great game to find our confidence," Lippi said.

"We just have to get as close as possible with calmness to the World Cup.

"We need to arrive at that event in a good athletic condition."

Lippi was unaffected by an incident early in Saturday's game when a fan ran onto the pitch wearing an Italy shirt bearing the message "Cassano on the national team".

Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassa-no has not been selected by Lippi since he replaced Roberto Donadoni at the helm after Euro 2008.

"I was not interested in what was written on that shirt," he said.

Lippi, who led Italy to World Cup glory three years ago, believes Spain and Brazil will have the best chance of success in South Africa.

"Brazil and Spain are favourites but it will be important for us to do the right things when the time comes," he said.