Italy coach Marcello Lippi insists he can handle the pressure as they struggle to qualify for the World Cup.

The Azzurri face two crunch qualifiers against Georgia on Saturday and at home to Bulgaria on September 9.

"If I didn't like challenges, then I would never have accepted the job of leading the Nazionale again," smiled the 2006 victor.

"I returned because I want to feel the same emotions I did in Berlin three years ago. I am convinced that when the tournaments that last 30-40 days come, Italy know how to win and win again."