Italy's Perrotta would rather be playing Brazil

DUISBURG, Germany, June 24 (Reuters) Italy midfielder Simone Perrotta would rather have faced Brazil in the second round than Monday's opponents Australia, he said today.

The Azzurri finished top of Group E and now have to take on Guus Hiddink's Australia side, who finished second in Group F behind the world champions.

''Personally, I would have preferred to play Brazil,'' said Perrotta, ''It would have been a fascinating game with all those stars on the pitch,'' added the Roma midfielder.

The Italians are wary of Australia since Hiddink eliminated them at the World Cup four years ago in charge of South Korea and the Azzurri struggled against less fancied opponents here when they drew 1-1 with the United States in the group stage.

''They are a similar side to the United States that is true,'' said Perrotta, ''But I think they are stronger in terms of technique. Up front they have a very strong player in Mark Viduka and then there is Harry Kewell who spins off him and is also very dangerous,'' he said.

''I heard someone describe Italy v Australia as like Juventus v (minor Serie A side) Atalanta but I'd say it is more like Juventus v Milan,'' added Perrotta.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS ''I know that the fans have high expectations of us and that many Italians think we will go through easily but we need to be very careful,'' he said.

Striker Alberto Gilardino said it was vital the Italians took the right psychological approach to the game.

''We need to be as solid and determined as possible. They are a strong, physical side and we'll be studying their approach more closely with the gaffer (coach) in the coming days,'' said Gilardino.

''But you can't change yourself physically in the space of three days --- so it is vital that we have the right attitude and the mental factor will be very important in this game,'' added the forward.

Fullback Gianluca Zambrotta said the Italians needed to improve their approach to the early stages of games where they had been caught cold by opponents.

''It couldn't have really gone much better for us in the group stage -- we won two and drew one from the three games, scored five goals and conceded just one.

''But we need to have a look again at our approach to the game -- in the early phase of matches we always suffer,'' he added.

''The United States were first to the ball during the early stages of that game and the Czech Republic had their best spell against us in the first half. Against Australia we need to really cover a lot of ground,'' said Zambrotta.

REUTERS DH PC1815