Lippi ready for ´Derby of the World´

=(Picture)=Marcello Lippi is in London preparing for his first ever encounter with Brazil and believes Tuesday’s match can be labelled as the Derby of the World.

The two nations have collected the World Cup nine times between them; Brazil leading the way courtesy of success on five occasions to date.

Despite a long career in the game, Italian head coach Lippi has never faced a Brazilian side as player nor manager, and Tuesday’s exhibition fixture at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium is one he is looking forward to.

“I think it is a great definition to call this the Derby of the World,” he said.

“There is no doubt Brazil are the most skilled team in the world, but we are the world champions.

“Both countries have won lots of titles and so many players who are involved in this game deserve to be involved in such an occasion.

“Is it an exhibition game? No. The circus is an exhibition.”

Italy have superstars including Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluigi Buffon and Gianluca Zambrotta to call on for the match in North London, but Brazil will be without AC Milan’s Kaka for the glamorous fixture.

He is nursing a foot injury, though Brazil will have Robinho, Ronaldinho and Adriano amongst their line-up.

“It is a shame Kaka is not playing,” Lippi said.

“However, they still have some great players. This is a game in front of 65,000 people and the whole world is interested. This is the first time I have ever faced them and it will be a great game.

“This Brazil side is not the same as the team that won the World Cup in 2002. They do not just attack. And our situation has changed, too. We are a bit more risky.”

Italy will set a world record of 32 matches without defeat if they manage to keep their opponents at bay, but Manchester City forward Robinho is confident his country’s South American style will help Brazil to victory.

“We expect to win the game and we will give everything,” Robinho said.

“We know it will be difficult because Italy are a great team. But we are all happy our coach believes in us. We need to keep the faith, keep fighting, and get better.”

Coach Dunga has been in charge of Brazil since July 2006, and realises the importance of this encounter between two of the world’s heavyweights.

There is great pressure on the shoulders of any Brazil coach, even in friendly matches.

“It’s hard to predict what will happen in this game but matches between us are usually very close. I do have fixed players in my head already when I think in my plans for the World Cup, but you never know what could happen,” said Dunga, who lifted the World Cup in 1994.

“There is always pressure in these big games, even though this is not the Confederations Cup or a World Cup Qualifier.

“Honour is at stake.”

The neutral location for this game adds more intrigue.

“I feel at home in Brazil, I prefer to play in our country,” added Dunga. “But that is not to say I do not like it here, it is an honour.”

One of the Brazilians stepping out at the Emirates will be former Arsenal midfield player Gilberto Silva.

He now plys his trade with Greek outfit Panathinaikos, but is looking to be involved in this encounter as it has a special meaning for him.

“I very much looking forward to being back, it’s nice to come back to the Emirates,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to this game, it’s a massive game, I hope we’ll start the new year well. It’s amazing to be back. It’s the first time I’ve come back to England since I left Arsenal. I’m so pleased to be back, I hope to see some friends. I’ve missed being here.”