Italy flew to Zurich Tuesday for a key Euro 2008 warm-up friendly against Portugal on Wednesday night.
The match is one of the last chances for coach Roberto Donadoni to test newcomers to the 2006 World Cup-winning side for the European championship 'Group of Death' against France, the Netherlands and Romania.
One of the most keenly watched will be the single debutant, 25-year-old Genoa striker Marco Borriello, who leads the Serie A marksmen's standings with 12 goals in 18 games.
Another will be 30-year-old Roma defender Marco Cassetti who has earned a recall after two years.
''I'm curious about Borriello,'' Donadoni said, hinting that the Genoa frontman has a chance to challenge established players like Milan striker Alberto Gilardino and Juve striker Vincenzo Iaquinta, who have been left out expressly to assess new blood.
Borriello could also be a useful back-up for Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni, one of Donadoni's irreplaceables, who will lead the line against Portugal.
Juve winger Raffaele Palladino is also in with a shout despite recent criticism, Donadoni indicated.
''I don't think Palladino has been doing badly,'' the coach said.
One of the biggest questions ahead of a March 28 friendly in Spain and Italy's last test against an as-yet unnamed opponent on May 30 is whether mercurial Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano can make it back into the running.
Former Roma star Cassano, who has been close to his old best for Samp lately, was one of the few bright spots in Italy's dismal Euro 2004 campaign in Portugal.
''I speak to the lad a lot,'' Donadoni said, adding that ''I'm not ruling anyone out, especially if they do well for their clubs''.
As for Cassetti, who might be an alternative to veteran Roma clubmate Christian Panucci, Donadoni said ''he is a precious utility back''.
Italy's injury list for the Portugal game widened on Tuesday as Inter Milan centre-back Marco Materazzi pulled out with a back twinge sustained against Empoli on Sunday.
Other notable absentees through injury are Juve keeper Gianluigi Buffon, Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, and Milan's European Champions League Final hero Pippo Inzaghi.
Also making way for Donadoni's experiments is Juve winger Mauro Camoranesi.
Juve captain Alessandro Del Piero will again miss a chance to add to his Italy goal tally of 27 strikes in 85 appearances.
Del Piero was axed after a lack-lustre display in a goalless qualifier against France in September and most pundits think his fine club form has done little to change Donadoni's mind about bringing him back.
