Genoa defender Salvatore Bocchetti is quietly confident of making Italy's final World Cup squad.

Bocchetti is in the group of 28 currently training in Sestriere and Marcello Lippi will name his final list of 23.

"Lippi has always kept an eye on me over these last two years. A week can change a lot, more than anything else it is important to confirm expectations," he told Secolo XIX newspaper.

23-year-old Bocchetti is closer to a spot in the final squad than many thought, as Juventus veterans Fabio Grosso and Nicola Legrottaglie have already been left out.

"Clearly this gives me a better chance, even though obviously I am sorry for my two teammates.

"They are excellent players and lovely people who I can learn a lot from both on and off the field.

"What I can bring to the squad is the hunger and hard work ethic of a young player."