Italy coach Marcello Lippi admits concerns with their attack ahead of their clash with Slovakia.

Any of the sides can still qualify, as Paraguay are in front with four points followed by Italy and New Zealand on two, then Slovakia with one point.

"We don't want tomorrow to be our last game. We want to carry on in this competition, improve and do well," said Lippi in his Press conference.

"Was it a tormented lead-up to this match? Only because of the disappointment at not being able to beat New Zealand, but this quickly made way for the confidence we have in ourselves ahead of this next game."

This is the first time since 1982 that Italy have failed to win their opening two World Cup games, drawing 1-1 with both Paraguay and New Zealand.

"What we're looking for can come from one moment to the next. The team must not react to external criticism.

"The media talk has to be evaluated, because it is part of our job, but the players need only work on my instructions and not the suggestions of critics."