Group E: The smart money argues that Italy only ever come out to play when things get to the "now-or-never" stage. If that is the case, then Italy will be firing on all cylinders this afternoon.

Just how much this game matters can be gauged from the war of words waged by players who know one another all too well. AC Milan's midfield piston Gennaro Gattuso has called Czech and Juventus talisman Pavel Nedved a "diver". Gattuso's Milan team-mate, Czech left back Marek Jankulovski has been more diplomatic, saying Italy are the favourites.

On paper, the Czechs certainly have the more difficult task since a draw is good enough to put Italy into the second round but would see the Czechs eliminated if Ghana beat the USA.

On top of that, Italy will surely want to top the group in order to avoid Brazil in the second round.

Italian critics have already concluded a win could give Italy an "easy" run through to a semi-final clash with Argentina, via first Australia in the second round and then Switzerland or Ukraine in the quarter-finals. Prior to that, though, Italy would need to improve on their wretched display against the USA last Saturday when they failed to make anything of a 10-9 player advantage for almost the entire second half of their bruising 1-1 draw.

Marcello Lippi yet again looks to Francesco Totti to supply the inspiration, notwithstanding the Roma player's all too obvious lack of match fitness. To that end, he may drop striker Luca Toni in order to strengthen his midfield with Mauro Camoranesi to give Totti extra cover.

Given that Daniele De Rossi is suspended, Lippi is forced to make midfield changes but he may also opt to change his defence, switching Gianluca Zambrotta to right back in place of Cristian Zaccardo with Fabio Grosso returning at left back.

Czech coach Karel Bruckner continues to have problems up front with Jan Koller injured and reserve Vratislav Kovenc suspended. Bruckner may play Marek Heinz alongside Milan Baros, back from injury but clearly less than match fit.