Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss stopped short of apologising to journalists after using abusive words and making threats to the media at a briefing on Tuesday, claiming some reporters brought "unhappiness" to the game.

The Slovakians are preparing for their final match in World Cup Group F on Thursday, where they need a win over world champions Italy at Ellis Park to have a chance of reaching the knockout phase.

Weiss did not take kindly to a question asked at a team camp briefing on Tuesday, muttering an obscenity at the gathered media and allegedly threatening to punch one journalist, and did not seem too repentant about it today.

"I would like to come back to my relationship with Slovakian journalists after that unfortunate situation yesterday," he said.

"I am really sorry what happened between us and I am sorry for the relationship we are having at the moment but I can't apologise. I am in football for people who like us, who love football and who respect this game.

"I am working in this area because I want football to bring us luck, but some of you work in your area because you want to bring unhappiness to people - at least that is my feeling from your articles."

Italy coach Marcello Lippi was remaining calm ahead of his team's final match.

The world champions have drawn their opening two matches against Paraguay and New Zealand and head into tomorrow's match in Johannesburg second in their pool.

They are level on points with the All Whites and two points behind leaders Paraguay.

"We haven't been tormented by this wait, the confidence is there," said Lippi. "We haven't done that well so far and we must do better.

"But we don't want this to be our last game. My lads have a great spirit and we just have to improve, especially in attack.

"We want to go through to the knock-out round."