New Zealand are set to field an unchanged side for their second World Cup match against holders Italy.
With midfielder Tim Brown still to fully recover from a shoulder injury, coach Ricki Herbert has hinted at keeping the same XI that started their drawn Group F opener against Slovakia.
Gianluigi Buffon will be missing for Italy and is likely to be sidelined for four months after deciding to undergo an operation on a herniated disc after the World Cup.
New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert said: "It's hard to go past a side that's created more history.
"It's a different type of proposition, a different type of team to play against, but I don't think it will be far away."
Source: PA
