Wednesday Jun 21 2006 13:25
A lack of strikers could scupper the Czech Republic's hopes of finishing in the top two in Group E as Milan Baros and Jan Koller are injured, while Vratislav Lokvenc is suspended.
Koller strained a hamstring in the impressive 3-0 win against the USA but may be fit in time for the knockout stages, if Karel Bruckner's side reach that stage.
Milan Baros has resumed running after hurting his foot in a pre-tournament friendly, while Lokvenc misses out after picking up yellow cards against the USA and Ghana.
Fiorentina defender Tomas Ujfalusi is also suspended after being sent off in the 2-0 defeat to the Black Stars, a result that put a serious dent in the Czech Republic's hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
Bruckner is trying to remain upbeat going into the match, saying: "We have four players out of the game and don't have many possibilities left especially among the forwards. Thankfully our midfield is complete and that's our strength.
"We have yet to decide on the replacements but we need to bring young players in to strengthen the team."
Marek Jankulovski should play despite picking up an ankle injury against Ghana that stopped him training properly on Sunday.
Italy's progression to the last 16 is not guaranteed after they were held to a 1-1 draw by nine-man USA in their second group match following their 2-0 win against Ghana.
Coach Marcello Lippi could leave Francesco Totti on the substitute's bench and start with Gennaro Gattuso in midfield with Gianluca Zambrotta on the left and Mauro Camoranesi on the right.
Simone Perrotta is doubtful with a leg injury while Daniele De Rossi is banned following his dismissal against the USA.
Lippi said in the build-up to the match: "I said before the tournament that this was a very tough group and Ghana beating the Czechs has proved that. The US performance against us showed that as well."
A draw will be enough for Lippi's side to make it to the second round but, if Ghana beat the USA, the Czech Republic will need to secure victory against Italy to progress to the last 16.
Have your say on this article