World champion Italy, smarting from the 0-3 drubbing by Netherlands, is likely to overhaul its team and maybe its formation for today's Euro 2008 match against Romania.
Another defeat in Zurich would spell elimination and almost certainly lead to coach Roberto Donadoni's departure.
Alessandro Del Piero, who has not started for Italy since September, may play after doing well as a substitute while fellow forward Antonio Cassano is in contention after he also came on in Berne. The inclusion of either probably requires a shift in formation from 4-3-3 to 4-3-2-1 but main striker Luca Toni sounded like he wanted the pair to start.
"Playing with Antonio and Alessandro we are more attacking, it is normal they create a lot," Toni said. "With the introduction of Antonio and Alessandro we improved but the boss must make his choice. The problem is even with Cassano and Del Piero we didn't score."
Left back Fabio Grosso is expected to play while defender Giorgio Chiellini and midfielder Daniele De Rossi could also start.
Romania, which drew 0-0 with France, thinks Italy will attack.
"Hopefully they will leave some gaps at the back for us to exploit. We expect a different approach to the French," said captain Cristian Chivu.
Romania's game-plan will be much the same as against France with the focus on defence rather than goals. "We will defend, defend, defend. Our plan is not to get beaten," said striker Adrian Mutu.
Political tensions could add spice to the game but authorities have said they expect no trouble in Zurich.
More than 500,000 Romanians are estimated to live in Italy, a number which Rome says jumped following Romania's entry to the European Union last year. Many are Roma nomads who live in shantytowns and are often blamed for violent crimes.
Superstitious types have noted the game takes place on Friday the 13th and is the 13th match of the 13th European Championship. However, the unlucky number in Italy is 17.
(Agencies via Shanghai Daily June 13, 2008)