Group C: Thursday 14th June 17:00

Italians Looks for reprieve from poor record against Croats

Italy

Italy should keep their wing-back formation which earned a draw against Spain in their opening Group C match, although Cesare Prandelli looks set to give goalscorer Antonio Di Natale a run-out in attack in place of Mario Balotelli. Andrea Barzagli looks set to be out until the knockout stages with a calf injury, so will not feature. Daniele De Rossi will once again deputise in defence.

Croatia

Croatia are likely to change very little for the clash against Italy after an impressive win against Ireland last time out. Slaven Bilic will stick with his tried and tested 4-4-2 formation. The Croats will be buoyed by a very good recent record against the Italians, as they have won three and drawn two of their last five games against them. Strikers Mari Mandzukic and Nikica Jelavic have already got off the mark in this tournament and will be keen to further their tallies.

Clean Sheet potential:

No Clean Sheet for Italy in 2012.

Transfer Target:

Di Natale looks set to start up-front for the Azzurri.

Last meeting:

Italy 0-2 Croatia (2006)