Italy coach Marcello Lippi has confirmed he will start with Francesco Totti in the Azzurri's opening game of the World Cup against Ghana in Hannover tonight.

Playmaker Totti has recently recovered from a leg injury and is set to play after impressing in training.

"I have evaluated Totti's form and I've seen him grow in confidence and fitness," said Lippi. "Totti will play against Ghana. I never doubted he wouldn't recover having seen him improve in every training session. He may not play the whole game, though."

Totti's inclusion means out-of-form Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero will be relegated to the bench.

Experienced AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta has passed a late fitness test and will also be available to partner captain Cannavaro at the heart of the defence.

Fabio Grosso is poised to come in for Gianluca Zambrotta at left-back and midfielder Daniele De Rossi could replace Gennaro Gattuso with both players nursing thigh injuries.

Ghana are making their World Cup debut and the match represents the first time the teams have squared up in an international tournament although Black Stars regulars Stephen Appiah, Sulley Muntari and Samuel Kuffour have all shown their worth in Serie A, while Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien will also be crucial to their hopes.

National coach Ratomir Dujkovic has warned the three-time world champions not to underestimate his side.

"We are here to compete, not just to participate," he said. "We have the quality to reach the semi-final stages.

"Ghana want to put a good display and our rivals have to know they will be destined to suffer.

"Whoever wants to beat us must be prepared to give their best on the pitch."

The Azzurri, however, are one of the favourites and Lippi is quietly confident they can go far in Germany.

He said: "We have seen all the World Cup games so far. We have seen the enormous balance there is in every game and we just want to get started.

"I am very calm, it could be because I see my players confident and ready to play.

"I am convinced my team will play good football and give the fans a good show.

"I have heard my rivals have said they will reach the semi-finals and I wish them the best of luck."

Lippi admits a good start to the tournament is essential with victory against Ghana important for the players' morale before they embark on their further Group E games against the United States and the Czech Republic.

"If we lose or draw the game against Ghana, it will be very difficult for us psychologically to prepare for our next game against the United States.

"Even if we win it's going to be complicated."