Italy coach Marcello Lippi said that a number of second string players will be called up for the FIFA Confederations Cup to be held in South Africa next month. The Azzuri will take part in the competition for the first time as World champions, and Lippi confirmed that it'll be a test for recently-shone newcomers. "The next call-ups will see plenty of new faces and prizes for those who have done well in Serie A," the former Juventus coach said. "It is part of the process where I aim to build a unified group similar to the one that lifted the World Cup."
"It is part of the process where I aim to build a unified group similar to the one that lifted the World Cup." Italy were crowned world champions in 2006 under the guidance of Lippi, who left his post right after the World Cup only to take over again following EURO 2008. The likes of Antonio Cassano, Giuseppe Mascara, Antonio Floro Flores, Angelo Palombo and Daniele Dessena are among the players expected to be named by Lippi. Lippi's men are drawn in Confederations Cup Group B alongside Brazil, Egypt and USA. The 61-year-old tactician is determined to make the best out of his country's participation in the tournament. "The Confederations Cup is going to be very important for us, a competition I hope to go through all the way."
