Italy coach Marcello Lippi says it's time for his squad to start playing like the defending champion.

Speaking ahead of the Azzurri's match against New Zealand on Sunday, Lippi said he's expecting his team to play much more smoothly than it did in its opening 1-1 draw with Paraguay.

Lippi said that his team "has grown in every aspect" in the five days since the Paraguay match, adding that "we're ready for this type of game."

Italy will be without two of its best players, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo both injured.

New Zealand drew 1-1 with Slovakia in its opener, and coach Ricki Herbert noted that it will still have a chance of advancing no matter the outcome against Italy.

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