Originally posted by: Psyke
It doesn't say, but it's pretty obvious that Sasuke's very important to him and no matter what he can not afford to lose him. Sasuke's merely a future container for him, and chances are slim that Sasuke can defeat Itachi with Orochimaru's given powers when Orochimaru himself is weaker than Itachi....
Perhaps, but I would think that the only reason would beat Orochimaru is because of the amazing amount of power given by the Sharingan, so he may not be immensly stronger than Oro with out the Sharingan.

Also to chet, I don't think that Oro is simply trying to be better than Itachi but rather he thinks that the amount of jutsus you know directly relates to your power. I think he aims to be the strongest ninja ever, that is to learn all Jutsu and then be the strongest possible ninja.