The Azzurri will take on Sweden in a friendly in Cesena on Wednesday, giving Lippi another opportunity to evaluate several candidates for those vacant positions.

"There are 16 or 17 players who already have their place secured for the World Cup," said Lippi.

"The rest I will have to select and consider on the basis of their roles to have a balanced side."

Lippi is expected to make wholesale changes to his team against Sweden following Saturday's goalless draw with Holland.

But he is not concerned about the lack of sharpness shown in the game against the Dutch.

"We don't need to play a great game to find our confidence," Lippi said. "We just have to get as close as possible with calmness to the World Cup.

"We must use the games we have remaining with the national team and those at club level to take the best side to South Africa.

"We need to arrive at that event in a good athletic condition."

Lippi was unaffected by an incident early in Saturday's game when a fan ran onto the pitch wearing an Italy shirt bearing the message "Cassano on the national team".

Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano has not been selected by Lippi since he replaced Roberto Donadoni at the helm after Euro 2008.

"I was not interested in what was written on that shirt," he said.

"I really couldn't care less if that story (Cassano) becomes a stormy subject at national level."

Lippi, who led Italy to World Cup glory in Germany three years ago, believes Spain and Brazil will have the best chance of success in South Africa.

"Brazil and Spain are favourites for the World Cup but it will be important for us to do the right things when the time comes," he said.