Final will come down to hunger says Lippi

DUISBURG, Germany, July 8 (Reuters) A World Cup final between two well balanced teams will be decided by which has the most hunger for victory, Italy coach Marcello Lippi said today ahead of the meeting with France in Berlin.

''We are going to Berlin and among the many things on the table there will be the organisation of the teams, the technical quality and the great players on both sides. We will see who has the most hunger,'' said Lippi.

Lippi said that he believed France would be a tougher opponent than the German side which the Azzurri beat in the semi-finals but suggested that his side did have more desire to win.

''They have won a World Cup and a European Championship while this generation of (Italian) players has only got close to that.

That is what is on the table, we have the fork in our hand and let's see what happens,'' he said.

Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo was more succinct in his assessment of which team wanted victory most.

''It is a difficult final but we have more hunger than they have,'' said the midfielder, who has been in excellent form throughout the World Cup.

Lippi said that while reaching the final was a great achievement for his team, he was not interested in any talk about just enjoying the day.

''I absolutely refuse this attitude of 'however it goes, it will be a great occasion' and all the rest. How many times in your life do you get the chance to win the World Cup? We have to be furious if we lose,'' he said.

REUTERS AY KP1838