ITALY .......

... simply have to defeat Ukraine in Rome tonight.

Following just one point from their opening two fixtures, anything less than maximum points here,will leave them with a mountain to climb.

18 of the squad which won the World Cup are included for the game at the Stadio Olimpico. They beat today's opponents 3-0 in Germany, just 14 weeks ago, Toni scored twice and returns to the side tonight. Something very similar is on the cards, especially now that they are on home soil.

Ukrainian football is in something of a slump. The two big club sides have disappointed in Europe and the coach, Oleh Blokhin , admits that they are suffering a World Cup "hangover". Star striker, Andriy Shevchenko, who has been in poor form for his new club Chelsea, has picked up a virus and remains a doubt.

Italy tend to win when they HAVE to, odds are low, but higher than the chance I give them, cannot see beyond the home win.

6 points Italy -1/2 1.45 general quote.

Good luck.