Lippi has settled on a 4-4-2 formation rather than the awkward 4-3-3 but the World Cup winner is under the media microscope more than ever after losses to Egypt and Brazil in the Confederations tournament in June.
The former Juventus boss has defended his decision to again snub Sampdoria playmaker Antonio Cassano and selected eight Juve players for the Group Eight leaders' trip to Tbilisi.
"Juventus have targeted Italian players so it's natural they command my attention," Lippi told a news conference, pointing out Fabio Cannavaro and Fabio Grosso were new Juve signings.
"With Cassano, like I respect the opinions of others, others should respect mine."
Italy, a point above Ireland having played a game less, have not scored in three matches including last month's 0-0 friendly with Switzerland where the 4-4-2 formation had patchy success.
Marchionni would have been a record-equalling ninth Juve player in the squad had he not moved to Fiorentina in the close season while Juve's Brazilian-born striker Amauri is waiting for an Italian passport and will soon be eligible for the Azzurri.
The Turin club's midfielder Claudio Marchisio, who debuted against the Swiss, is doubtful for Saturday with a thigh knock but could make Wednesday's home match with Bulgaria in Turin.
Midfielder Daniele De Rossi is suspended for the first game and Gennaro Gattuso is injured, which could open the door for Sampdoria's Angelo Palombo alongside out-of-form Andrea Pirlo.
