Friday's World Cup draw in Leipzig may have left many Ghanaians shell-shocked but Black Stars coach Ratomir Dujkovic is pleased with the group.

This is despite the fact that World Cup newcomers Ghana have been drawn against the Czech Republic, the United States and three-time champions Italy.

"I am very happy with the draw and our group," the Serbian coach told BBC Sport.

"It's very tough but this is better for us because now we can improve.

"We will play against three teams in the top ten in the world and this is good.

"First of all, we have nothing to lose and if we get some good results, it will be excellent for us."

The four-time African champions open their campaign against Italy in Hannover on 12 June before moving south to play the Czech Republic in Cologne five days later.

Dujkovic rates the Czechs, who reached the semi-finals of last year's European Championship, as tougher opponents than Marcello Lippi's Italy.

"The Czech Republic are stronger than Italy at the moment and with players such as Pavel Nedved, Jan Koller and Milan Baros they are really very good," he explained.

But Dujkovic still thinks the Black Stars' match against the Italians will be a harder test than that posed by both the Americans and the Czechs.

"The Italy game will be our first match in the World Cup and I am afraid that our players will be under pressure for that opening game.

"But I am told that Ghana always play well against Italy, especially in youth competitions, and we drew 2-2 with them in last year's Olympics.

"My team is based on that Olympic team and I know that Italy will have many players from their Olympic squad as well."

Ghana finish their group campaign against the USA in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg on 22 June.

The match could well be decisive in determining whether or not the Black Stars reach the second round.

"It won't be easy because many of America's players are playing in Europe," Dujkovic said.

"We must be very careful with them. We have a chance of qualifying for the next round but we are going to have to fight."