Defenders Alessandro Nesta and Gianluca Zambrotta have hoped to make Italy's first and second World Cup matches respectively, local media reported on Tuesday.

"I have high hopes of playing against Ghana," said AC Milan stopper Nesta who is recovering from a sore hamstring.

"I'm happy. It's very likely I'll get back to play the United States," said Juventus wingback Zambrotta who is recovering from a thigh strain.

Both players will have fresh tests in Germany on June 10, two days before Italy's first match.

Italy open their World Cup campaign against Ghana on June 12 in Hannover. Then they play the United States on June 17 in Kaiserslauten and the Czech Republic in Hamburg on June 22.