SHANGHAI - Marcello Lippi said he is desperately short of attacking options, but China's veteran Italian coach has told his players not to give up hope of reaching next year's World Cup.

China sits last in its qualifying group with just one victory in eight games and must win both its remaining matches to stand any chance of making it to Russia 2018, starting at home to Uzbekistan on Thursday.

Lippi, who masterminded Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph, believes his much-derided side can beat the odds.