Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan is keen to build on a positive start against Brazil when they come up against Italy tomorrow.

The Pharaohs put up a brave showing against defending champions Brazil on Monday and looked set for a point after fighting back from two goals down to draw level at 3-3.

They eventually conceded a penalty at the death, which was converted by Kaka, to slip to defeat, but their skipper is keen on another battling display when they take to the field at Ellis Park Stadium.

"The game against Brazil proved to everyone that Egypt is not in the Confederations Cup just to make up the numbers," Al Ahly midfielder Hassan said.

"We showed some real fight and put in a spectacular performance despite losing out in the end.

"The next game against Italy promises to be very tough, maybe even more so than the game with Brazil. We'll be going out there determined to perform at the same level."

Even though the African champions could be knocked out if they fail to win, Hassan believes they have already done the continent proud.

He continued: "I told the players before the game (with Brazil) that we are going to play the most entertaining side in the world.

"I said we shouldn't be afraid but we have to try to enjoy this game and I think we all did. We made Africa proud and we will try to maintain this when we play Italy."

Egypt coach Hassan Shehata is seeking a good result to go with their entertaining display against the South Americans.

He said: "We need to put our encounter with Brazil aside and concentrate on the next match against Italy to pull off a good result.

"Our main objective for the time being is to reach the next round."

World champions Italy will be targeting nothing less than victory as they bid to seal qualification from Group B.

The were handed a massive boost yesterday with the news captain Fabio Cannavaro has recovered from the calf injury that kept him out of their 3-1 win against the United States.

Azzurri coach Marcello Lippi admitted after the victory against 10-man USA, which was also a tournament debut for his side, that they were pushed and expects a similar challenge to come from the north Africans in Johannesburg.

He said: "I must say I was a little bit surprised with the way we started the game. I thought we should have done better, but there was a little bit of tension.

"Yes, we won, but it was not easy. Egypt are a good team themselves and I know them very well.

"They have won two African titles and that is something that can't be taken for granted. Their players have good technical skills. I like their coach and his way of doing things."