Lippi labels Brazil World Cup favourites

Brazil are favourites for World Cup glory in July, Italy coach Marcello Lippi said on Tuesday as he all but ruled out taking Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli to South Africa.

European champions Spain have been the pick of many pundits but Brazil will have extra motivation according to Lippi, whose world champions are outside bets to retain their title because of a lacklustre qualifying campaign and an ageing team.

“Brazil are the strongest team,” Lippi told a select group of foreign reporters.

“The Brazilians will be very motivated as last time they knew they were the strongest team but lost (in the 2006 quarter-finals).” @FFT

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