Roberto Donadoni expects a top-level display from the Azzurri in Tuesday night's Euro 2008 survival battle against France.
''This evening we're going to need a top performance,'' the coach said a few hours before the World Cup finalists meet here with qualification into the quarter-finals at stake.
Donadoni remarked on the fact that the match falls on the anniversary of the Italy's famous 4-3 win over West Germany in the 1970 World Cup semi-finals.
''There are times in soccer when you have to suffer, then at the right moment that Italy team pounced. It's what we need tonight,'' he said.
As usual, Donadoni kept team news to the bare minumum but confirmed that Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano would play.
''I'm expecting him to play his part,'' he said.
The coach also explained why playmaker Andrea Pirlo told the press Monday he was confident of starting.
''Pirlo has played two games and is among those who have expended the most energy. But nervous energy will be needed tonight''.
Pundits expect Cassano to play in a three-man attack alongside Luca Toni and Antonio Di Natale.
AC Milan enforcer Gennaro Guttuso is expected to return after missing Friday's 1-1 draw against Romania while the defence installed after the opening 3-0 defeat to Netherlands is expected to be confirmed.
A win will put Italy through as long as Netherlands don't lose to Romania.
Italy could also squeeze through with a draw if Netherlands win big.
Amid widespread speculation that the Dutch will be in less devastating form against the Romanians, Italian bookmakers provided some comfort Tuesday by slashing the odds on a Romania win from 7/4 to 2/1.
