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Serie A

Italy coach Marcello Lippi believes a win in the friendly with Holland will serve as the perfect launch pad for his team ahead of the World Cup in South Africa.

Both sides go into the encounter in Pescara on the back of first-place finishes in their World Cup qualifying groups.

"I expect good things, a general growth from the team," said Lippi.

The last time Lippi faced the Dutch side was four years ago in a warm-up game that the Azzurri won 3-1 in Holland.

"There are more certainties now than with respect to that game," said Lippi.

"This game will not be crucial with respect to June."

The Azzurri then take on Sweden on Wednesday in their last game of the year.

Lippi has already revealed his starting XI for the game against Holland.

Livorno's Antonio Candreva will make his debut for the world champions alongside Andrea Pirlo and Angelo Palombo in midfield.

The 22-year-old has looked solid in his first season in Italy's top flight.

Meanwhile, Genoa's Raffaelle Palladino, who returns to the side after a two-year absence, will partner Mauro Camoranesi and Alberto Gilardino up front.

"I like the idea of playing two youngsters alongside nine veteran players," said Lippi, who will drop Serie A's top scorer Antonio Di Natale to the bench.

"I have been very impressed by Candreva's season so far and I have decided he will play."

In their last game, Italy struggled and needed two late strikes from Alberto Gilardino to beat Cyprus 3-2 in Parma.

The performance early on by the Azzurri was so disappointing a section of fans booed the team, but Lippi described that attitude as "shameful".

"If we play badly, I ask the fans to give us 10 minutes more or to wait until the end of the game before expressing their discontent," he said.

"We don't pretend as world champions to be given absolute credit but we don't expect to be booed after a few minutes played."

Meanwhile, Holland coach Bert van Marwijk believes the absence of Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben will not hinder his side.

Robben is out with a knee injury and will miss tomorrow's game as well as the clash against Paraguay four days later.

"We have many players that can score. We have enjoyed balanced scoring and are not dependent on one man," he said.

"This gives the team an independence which other national sides like Spain have."

Van Marwijk has urged his players to keep up their focus.

"We cannot relax now," he said. "We have to give continuity to our performances."

Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel returns to the squad having missed the last four games through injury.

Inter Milan winger Wesley Sneijder, meanwhile, has recovered from an ankle injury and is looking forward to the clash.

"I am fully recovered and I am ready to play against Italy," he said.