Lippi respects Socceroos
Marcello Lippi insists Italy are confident they can take revenge on Guus Hiddink and eliminate Australia in the second round.
“Hiddink is a very experienced Coach who knows Italian football well, but we are convinced of our abilities and face Australia with great faith in our chances,” said the tactician.
Australia went through from Group F in second place behind Brazil thanks to a last-gasp 2-2 draw against Croatia.
Hiddink is a familiar face to Azzurri fans, as he was in charge of the South Korea outfit that shocked the 2002 World Cup by knocking out Giovanni Trapattoni’s Italy in the second round with an Ahn Jung Hwan Golden Goal.
“Australia are a very organised side and I put my observers on the case. We’ll begin studying their reports tomorrow.”
Dutchman Hiddink is an old hand at causing upsets in this tournament, having taken Holland to the semi-finals in 1998 and leading South Korea to the same result in the following edition.
“It’ll be tougher than four years ago, in my view,” commented the Socceroos boss. “My Korea was a hard working side that faced off with stars. Australia are an improvement compared to that team, but I also think Italy are stronger than they were in 2002. We must be realistic: it’ll be very difficult for me to beat Italy this time.”