Lippi: I Would've Called Rossi & Montolivo

This weekend, the Azzurri begin the defence of the trophy they won in Germany two years ago, as they travel to Cyprus for their opening 2010 World Cup qualifier.

World Cup winning Italy coach Lippi, who has returned for a second spell in charge, has been criticised in some quarters for not picking many young players, and instead largely sticking to the old guard who failed at Euro 2008.

“I have nothing against the people who didn't make it,” Lippi told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“For one thing I would have called Riccardo Montolivo and Giuseppe Rossi if they were available.

“I am also watching Mario Balotelli because he is a promising youngster. I like him a lot and I think he'll become an important player.”

Lippi also explained the exclusions of Massimo Ambrosini and Marco Materazzi.

“I respect Ambrosini as a player and a professional but I have to make my decisions,” he continued.

“As for Marco, he is still suffering from an injury and I would rather call Fabio Cannavaro and not take any risks.

Lippi then warned his players not to take the match against Cyprus for granted, or else a shock could be in store.

“The more we think it will be easy, the more difficult it will be,” the 60-year-old noted.

“This is the first game on the road to repeating Berlin. I didn't just come back to win but to rebuild a winning foundation.

“However, we will remember that we have the world champions' logo on our shirts and we will be united and full of intent.”

Anthony Sormani