The game is Zaccheroni's first in charge since he succeeded Takeshi Okada, who took the Samurai Blues to the last 16 in the World Cup earlier this year.

Japan have lost their last six games against Argentina but former AC Milan boss Zaccheroni said: "We shouldn't be afraid of Argentina. It's wrong to go out there with an all-defensive frame of mind.

"My goal is to build a team skilled both on the offensive and defensively."

Defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka may miss the game because of a sore right knee.

On Tuesday, Japan play 2002 World Cup co-hosts South Korea in Seoul and these two games are crucial for their preparation for the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar in January.

But Zaccheroni is also focusing on events beyond that championship.

He added: "My mission is to cultivate Japanese talent on a long-term basis. I'm going to build a team with sights set on the World Cup in Brazil."

Argentina reached the World Cup quarter-finals under Diego Maradona and are currently being managed by Sergio Batista while the search for Maradona's successor continues.

Under Batista, Argentina have claimed friendly wins over the Republic of Ireland (1-0) and reigning world champions Spain (4-1).

Lionel Messi has declared himself fit for the game after an ankle injury, adding: "I thought it was going to be worse. Fortunately it wasn't and I got over it quickly."

The Barcelona forward wants to claim victory in order to help Batista get the manager's job on a permanent basis.

"It doesn't depend just on winning, but if you get positive results, it helps, it is easier," Messi said. "However, it depends more on hard working than results.

"I'd love Batista to stay. I like the way we play."

UEFA player of the year Diego Milito will start tomorrow, with Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain therefore likely to be on the bench.