Palermo star Bresciano played against the former Reggina midfielder during his time in Italy, and the Aussie admits that stopping Nakamura is a tough proposition.

Nakamura, now with Scottish outfit Celtic, is set to play a major role against the Socceroos at the My Dinh National Stadium after starring during Ivica Osim's side run to the top of Group B.

"He's not an easy player to mark because he wanders around a lot and finds good positions," said the Palermo man ahead of tonight's Asian Cup quarter-final in Hanoi..

"When he was playing in the Italian league, we normally had one man on him trying to mark him out of the game. But it's not easy. We will lose one man as well and it's like having 10 men.

"It's something we haven't worked on yet. But there are other players to watch out for too."

Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will also be keeping a close eye on the 29-year-old, who was in inspired form as Celtic clinched the domestic double last season.

Nakamura marked his UEFA Champions League debut against Manchester United with a stunning free-kick before repeating the feat in the return fixture at Celtic Park with another set-piece that helped Celtic qualify to the quarter-finals for the first time.

And his prowess at dead-ball situations has led Australia coach Graham Arnold to warn his charges not go give away needless fouls this weekend.

"I'm not excited about having to face his free-kicks. We know what a good player he is and what he's like taking free-kicks. He's a big danger," said Schwarzer.

"But I don't worry about one particular player. You have to look out for extra talents individual players have and Nakamura is one of those that can take good free-kicks, is dangerous around the box and is obviously player who stands out.

"We know that and we are going to play our game and be confident we can get result we need.

"Japan are well organised, quick and in Nakamura they have a very good player, a special player."