Preview: Italy vs Georgia

I know this is late but better late than never...

Italy will take on Georgia this evening in a vital Group B qualifier match, which sees Italy in second position behind Scotland who are on 24 points. Scotland won their game, 3-1, earlier today against Ukraine to add more pressure on Donadoni's men while, France are also close on Italy's heels with one point separating them from the World Cup winners.

Donadoni left behind Pippo Inzaghi and Alessandro Del Piero while, Marco Materazzi, and Gianluca Zambrotta are both out injured. Captain Fabio Cannavaro also didn't make the trip as he is serving his suspension.

More worries have been raised as Vicenzo Iaquinta won't feature in tonight's game as he is suffering from a fever. However, Quagliarella is ready to step in for the Juventus man, while Di Natale will operate on the opposite flank while Toni leads the attack.

The midfield is most likely to be dominated by the Champions League winners of Massimo Ambrosini, Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo. This trio will provide security and understanding to the line-up for Donadoni.

In the make-shift defence; another Milan player will feature as Oddo will step into the right back position while, the return of Fabio Grosso will be welcomed as he will play on the left in place of Zambrotta. In the centre; Andrea Barzagli and Christian Pannucci will play together.

It is a strong line-up but many questions will be asked of how the Azzurri will cope without their Captain Cannavaro. Nevertheless, Buffon is willing to step into the shoes of Cannavaro as he will be wearing the famous armband.

FORZA AZZURRI, PER IL SECONDO POSTO!!