Ghana midfielder Michael Essien is confident the Black Stars will not get stage fright in their World Cup debut.

Ghana face Italy in Hannover on Monday and the Chelsea star insists they are confident of upsetting the Europeans in Germany.

"I think we could win against Italy because there is no pressure, we are all calm," Essien said. "We have nothing to lose and this favours us.

"We also could be the 'Cinderella' of the tournament, we could surprise.

"Our aim is to reach the second round and this means we must win a match and draw another one."

Meanwhile, Essien insists he will be fully fit for the tournament, despite an exhausting domestic campaign with Chelsea.

"I'm at 100 percent and I'm ready to give my best in Germany," he confirmed.

"Everybody has eyes on me and Stephen Appiah, we want to give our best."