Italy's Lippi wary of Serbia, Slovenia challenge

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WARSAW, Feb 7, 2010 (AFP) - Italy coach Marcello Lippi said he was most wary of Serbia and Slovenia, both of whom have qualified for the World Cup finals, after the draw for the Euro 2012 qualifiers here on Sunday.

Current World Cup holders Italy, who reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2008, were drawn with Serbia and Slovenia, as well as Estonia, the Faroe Islands and Northern Ireland in Group C here.

"Italy's group is very even with Serbia and Slovenia, two teams who will compete at the World Cup," said Lippi with Euro 2012 qualifiers set to begin this September with the finals set to be held in Poland and the Ukraine.

"We have the advantage of being in a six-team group. Of the other groups, England's is the most difficult."

The Italians reached the final of Euro 2000 and claimed their last win at a European Championships when they were crowned champions in 1968.

Under FIFA rankings, Italy are currently fourth in the world while Serbia, who reached the quarter-finals at Euro 2000, are 19th and Slovenia are ranked 33rd.