Italy v Australia: Although Italy have never played Australia there's a little bit of history here today. Four years ago in Daejeon, Korea, Guus Hiddink led South Korea to an incredible victory over Italy. That result put the Azzurri out of the World Cup and into ignominy. The Italians are treading warily this time, and Marcello Lippi has conceded he has sent scouts to Australian training sessions.
That match, won by a golden goal from Ahn Jung-Whan, might resonate in the memories of two Australians in particular. Midfielders Mark Bresciano and Vince Grella play for the Italian Serie A team Parma. When Jung-Hwan scored that winning goal four years ago, he was promptly sacked by his Italian club, Perugia.
"He will never set foot in Perugia again," said chairman Luciano Gaucci. "I regard such behaviour not only as an affront to Italian pride but also an offence to a country that two years ago opened its doors to him. I have no intention of paying a salary to someone who has ruined Italian soccer."
Grella and Bresciano have plenty to worry about though before they get on to the issue of job security. Ghana, the US and Czech Republic - the three teams to play Italy so far - have all had a player sent off in their games with Italy. More alarmingly perhaps, the Italians conceded only a single goal in the group stages and their defensive covering has been splendid to watch.
Hiddink's team will set about their work today in the usual robust and enthusiastic fashion. The Australians are strong and physically dominating and have class in patches. Hiddink's plan will be to play the game in the Italian half, bruising them and breaking their concentration.
The game represents a major test for the Australian defence, who despite the fine form of Lucas Neill in particular have been caught for goals in every game. A defict today could be irrecoverable.
On the news front, both sides are beginning to show the wear and tear of the tournament. For Italy Alessandro Nesta is out with a thigh injury. He will probably be replaced by Marco Materazzi, who scored in the 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic.
Daniele De Rossi remains suspended for this match, and should Italy qualify he will be suspended until they reach the final. Italy will continue to miss his combativity.
Hiddink gambled the last day, putting Zejko Kalac in against Croatia. He was badly at fault for the Croatians' second goal and will be replaced today by Mark Schwarzer.
Brett Emerton picked up two yellow cards from Graham Poll in the Croatia match (others got three) and misses today's clash. Jason Culina should come in for him.
Harry Kewell remains a doubt with a groin injury, but that has been the case before every game and he has started each.
Italy, people will be surprised to hear, are actually on their longest undefeated streak since 1939 and hoping to take that run to 22 games since the loss to Slovenia in a World Cup qualifier on October 9th 2004.
Hiddink waves it away with a hand.
"With a lot of respect to my players, they are not yet having that experience. The favourites are, of course, Italy."
Probable line-ups
Italy (4-4-1-1) Buffon; Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Materazzi Grosso; Camoranesi, Pirlo, Perrotta, Gattuso; Totti; Gilardino.
Australia (4-5-1) Schwarzer; Neill, Moore, Chipperfield, Culina; Grella, Bresciano, Cahill, Sterjovski, Kewell; Viduka.
