Ghana and Italy face each other at the Niedersachsenstadion, Hanover in the second game of Group E. The two teams have never faced each other before and a very interesting encounter is expected.

Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic believes his players have the necessary experience to handle Italy, despite the fact that this is the first World Cup for any of them.

"Most of our players have been five years or more in Europe at a high level. We are not worried about this match," said Dujkovic. "Marcello Lippi is one of the world's best coaches. I respect him. Any Italy attacking line will be strong."

Despite being criticised recently for a string of poor results, Dujkovic is confident that his players can get a result in their opening game.

"Ghanaians are strong [and have] good skill and a good team. We must be happy about our team," Dujkovic said. "Italy are the favourites. They are tough, but they (will) have to suffer to beat us."

Dujkovic believes his team proved its worth in their recent 3-1 victory over 2002 World Cup semi-finalists South Korea. Although he is yet to name his team for the game, he admitted that he is close to making up his mind.

"We are trying to give a chance to everybody, but maybe I have 95 percent of my team for the game against Italy."

The Black Stars have no injuries to hamper selection. Chelsea's Michael Essien and former Juventus player Stephen Appiah are expected to start in midfield.

Italy’s coach Marcello Lippi has no such luxuries. The Azzurri have rarely entered a tournament under so much pressure, with the domestic game imploding under the weight of corruption allegations and current champions Juventus still facing the prospect of relegation to Serie B. Failure against Ghana could prove to be one embarrassment too many for the disaffected Italian public.

Lippi has said he is happy to sacrifice style for points in tonight’s encounter and maintain their 17-match unbeaten run.

"All that counts is getting the victory. A strong start is imperative but we must be wary. Ghana are full of talent and pace but I have faith in my team," said Lippi. "The first game determines how you approach the second and that determines the approach for the third. We're tense but excited. We're about to play the most important tournament of our lives. Nerves are normal," he said.

Lippi has confirmed that playmaker Francesco Totti will play some part in the game. The Roma star has been sidelined since February with an ankle injury and only recently made his return to action.

"I have evaluated Totti's form and I've seen him grow in confidence and fitness," said Lippi. "Totti will play against Ghana. I never doubted that he wouldn't recover having seen him improve in every training session. He may not play the whole game, though." The player himself insisted he was only “70% fit, but ready to play.”

Defender Alessandro Nesta has been passed fit, but Gianluca Zambrotta and inspirational midfielder Rino Gattuso are both out with injuries.

Italy (probable): Buffon, Oddo, Nesta, Cannavaro, Grosso, Camoranesi, Pirlo, Perrotta, Totti, Toni, Gilardino.

Ghana (probable): Adjei, Paintsil, Kuffour, Mensah, Pappoe, Muntari, Essien, Appiah, Addo, Gyan, Amoah.

Referee: C Simon (Brazil)