Italy can seal World Cup 2014 qualification when they take on the Czech Republic on Tuesday, providing they match or better Bulgaria's result against Malta.
Cesare Prandelli's side put themselves on the verge of qualification with a 1-0 win over Bulgaria in Palermo on Friday and they could become the first European nation to book their tickets to Brazil on Tuesday.
Alberto Gilardino's goal moved them seven points clear at the top of Group B and Italy will fancy their chances of adding to their 13 goals this qualification campaign against a Czech side that shipped two goals against Armenia.
Those two strikes saw Michel Bilek's men fall to a costly 2-1 defeat that could ruin their chances of reaching the World Cup, as they missed a glorious opportunity to move into second place.
Italy have injury problems ahead of the game, with Luca Antonelli (ankle) and Ignazio Abate (groin) both ruled out of the match, while Lorenzo Insigne is a doubt.
Cesare Prandelli: “We’ll obviously try to get as many players as possible back to fitness. The Czechs are also gambling their last chips, so I warn you all it is not going to be a walk in the park. We’re fired up. But we’ll give it our all too."
Michal Bilek, following a shock defeat to Armenia: "Now we have to win other games, including that against Italy. We were close the victory after the first missed goal, but we missed several opportunities and were punished."
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