The England star was booked for a foul in the second half of United's 1-1 draw with South African side Kaizer Chiefs yesterday and substituted shortly afterwards when it looked as though he might get sent off.

But Lippi has called for his Italy players to display the same level of passion and commitment.

"What counts in football, even more than the formation, is the philosophy of the game," the World Cup winning coach told Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It's the desire of the great players to put themselves at the service of the team when their opponents are in possession of the ball.

"What Rooney does at Manchester."