Adriano has a score to settle with Italy

BERGISCH GLADBACH, Germany, June 20 (Reuters) Brazil striker Adriano hopes the world champions can face Italy in the next round of the World Cup and give him the chance to settle a few scores.

The player wants to strike back after receiving some stinging criticism in Italy for his performances with Inter Milan, where he scored 19 goals in 47 games this season.

''From my personal perspective, if we could face Italy and I play well and score a goal, it would be perfect.'' he told reporters at the Brazilian camp in Lerbach Castle.

Adriano recognised that Italy are strong defensively and it will not be easy to get past defenders who are used to his style of play.

''Cannavaro and Nesta are very good players. It is hard to turn them around with the ball. I know they'll create a lot of difficulties against Brazil,'' he said.

''I just wish I have a chance. If I do, I'll score without hesitation,'' he said.

FACE ANYONE Adriano broke a taboo by naming the team he would like to face in the second round.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira and other players have dismissed questions about who they would prefer to face, saying they have to be ready to face anyone.

''A squad that aims to be world champions can not pick and choose the opponents. We must be ready to face anyone.'', said Parreira after Brazil beat Australia on Sunday to clinch a place in the last 16 with a game to spare.

Brazil need one point against Japan on Thursday to finish top of the group. They could also face United States, Ghana or Czech Republic.

CafDu told reporters: ''We'll have to play the squad that qualifies to face us. Firstly, though, we'll need to focus on the match against Japan. In the World Cup, the most important match is always the next one.'' Reuters MP DB2257