The veteran tactician stepped down after leading the Italians to World Cup glory in 2006, but became coach again following the Azzurri's weak performance at Euro 2008 under boss Roberto Donadoni.

"I felt a certain debt towards the Italian Federation," Lippi said. "And turning down other offers in order to return was a way for me to pay that debt.

"I came back to win, to enjoy the same sensations once more, the feelings of triumph but also of the unity and cohesion of the whole group."

The debt Lippi felt is due to the Italian Federation never wavering in its commitment to him when his son was under scrutiny for his role with a sports agency owned by the son of disgraced former Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi.

However, Lippi has faced significant challenges since returning to the helm.

With players of the calibre of Francesco Totti and Alessandro Nesta retiring from international duty since the success in Germany four years ago, and others like Alessandro Del Piero and Marco Materazzi reaching the latter stages of their career, Lippi has been forced to look for new talent.

"We still have a group of players who won the World Cup four years ago and we need to build on that strength," Lippi said.

"But not everyone will continue. This group needs to be integrated, the right balance has to be found."

Two reasons why there is so much optimism about Italy's chances has been the play of Fiorentina forward Alberto Gilardino and Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale.

Both players have stood out in their respective teams and have been rewarded for their impressive campaigns with spots in the national side.

Moreover, World Cup winner Gilardino appears to have rediscovered his touch in front of goal.

Since moving to Fiorentina from AC Milan two years ago, Gilardino has gone from strength to strength and become one of highest rated forwards in Italy.

Gilardino finished as the Azzurri's top scorer in qualifying with four goals, including a hat-trick in a 3-2 triumph over Cyprus.

Therefore, unlike the previous two tournaments, the Azzurri will not have to rely on one player to provide the firepower up front.

Defence has traditionally been their strongest weapon and it remains so with just seven goals conceded in qualifying.

Juventus trio Giorgio Chiellini, Nicola Legrottaglie and Gianluigi Buffon have been solid, along with captain Fabio Cannavaro. However, Legrottaglie was left out of the squad for South Africa in favour of an extra forward in the shape of Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi.

Cannavaro missed Euro 2008 through injury but returned for qualifying games to bring additional experience and leadership.

In midfield remains unchanged Daniele De Rossi of Roma, Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo have all been included in the squad but there is no place for Simone Perotta.

Lippi fully expects to have a strong team in all areas.

"We will try to play an aggressive, expansive and resourceful game," he said. "A great side needs to be able to do everything, attack and defend."

One bonus is that the players will be well rested since all but one Italian club this year failed to reach the quarter-final stages of any European club competitions. Only Inter Milan reached the last eight of the Champions League.

Injuries should also not be a big factor.

Buffon has fully recovered from a knee injury and striker Vincenzo Iaquinta is expected to be fit to play this summer.

Since taking over the team, Lippi believes he has seen a vast improvement in a squad that topped Group Eight of its World Cup qualifying campaign with a six-point advantage over the Republic of Ireland, with seven wins and three draws.

"My national team does not have any weaknesses," he said. "We are preparing to win another World Cup."

Lippi will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of legendary coach Vittorio Pozzo, who led the Azzurri to consecutive World Cup triumphs in 1934 and 1938.

One thing Italy and Lippi have in their favour is that they know what it takes to go all the way in a tournament.

"Experience can be useful because now we know the conditions and how much consistency and unity is needed to win," Lippi said.

Italy will play Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia in Group F.