Lippi - Places up for grabs

Italy boss to monitor Rossi and Santon

By Nadia Carminati   Last updated: 16th November 2009  

Lippi - Places up for grabs

Lippi: Mulling over options

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Marcello Lippi has revealed that he is still mulling over six or seven spots in his final World Cup squad.

Italy are preparing to defend the trophy they won under Lippi four years ago after battling through their qualification campaign.

Lippi is now starting to consider which 23 players he will take to South Africa and he admits his mind is largely made up.

However, there are still several places up for grabs and those on the fringes of the squad have been urged to press their claims over the coming months.

"I have 16 or 17 players sure for that tournament," said the Azzurri coach.

"The free places will be assigned with reference to the team's requirements."

Villarreal forward Giuseppe Rossi and Inter Milan full-back Davide Santon are two players in the hunt for those final few spots.

Lippi will continue to monitor the progress of the young duo and hopes they will get plenty of opportunities at club level.

"Rossi had a difficult period with Villarreal, but he's recovering," said Lippi.

"Santon is not playing so much. I hope that, always with respect of Inter's requirements, he could play a little more."