Should the world champions avoid defeat in Athens on Wednesday, Lippi would join former Spain coach Javier Clemente and ex-Argentina boss Alfio Basile as a world record-holder.

"In the context of a lengthy period unbeaten, we have achieved important wins while also re-constructing a new group - which is something we are trying to do," said Lippi, who guided Italy to the 2006 World Cup and returned to the helm after Euro 2008.

"Otherwise, we would be searching just for a record.

"Wednesday's game will allow us to take a further step in growing as a team."

Lippi has been impressed by Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero's form but has decided to leave the veteran striker out of the 22-man squad in order to experiment with other players.

"Del Piero remains the emblem of Juve," said Lippi.

"Certain players like him have psychological and technical characteristics above the norm that allows them to always resurface."

Another player who has earned Lippi's admiration is Udinese playmaker Gaetano D'Agostino.

The 26-year-old could earn his first cap this week.

"For me it's already an honour to be training alongside the likes of Fabio Cannavaro, Luca Toni and Mauro Camoranesi," said D'Agostino.

"I want to thank Lippi for giving me this opportunity, and my club coach Pasquale Marino."

Giuseppe Rossi, Cristian Maggio and Simone Pepe have all kept their places after their first call-ups last month.

The good news for Lippi is that Fabio Grosso, Nicola Legrottaglie, Camoranesi and Vincenzo Iaquinta are fit again.

But the Italians are still without Gianluigi Buffon, Antonio Di Natale, Andrea Pirlo, Alberto Aquilani and Gianluca Zambrotta because of injuries.