Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi said Monday he was ready for a likely start in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Ireland in Bari.
''I don't know whether I'm playing but (coach Marcello) Lippi has confidence in me and I'll go onto the field ready to do what I can,'' the young Italian-American told reporters.
''Obviously I'd like to get a goal but if it doesn't come, it's enough for me to do the right thing to help Italy win''.
Rossi has turned out three times for Lippi's side since coming on as a substitute against Bulgaria in October, but has yet to score.
He has scored 23 goals in 48 games for Villarreal since 2007.
The 22-year-old, who was born and brought up in New Jersey, is tipped to take the place of Antonio Di Natale who suffered a knee injury in Saturday's 2-0 win in Montenegro.
The win, coupled with Ireland's 1-1 draw with Bulgaria in Dublin, gave Italy a two-point edge over the Irish at the top of Group Eight.
Only the winners of each group are guaranteed qualification to the 2010 World Cup In South Africa.
The runners-up go into a play-off.
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni told reporters in Dublin: ''It's important for us to win in Italy but it's just as important not to lose''.
''With our mentality and team spirit we can do well in Italy,'' said the veteran coach, who has denied playing defensive football throughout his long career.
The ex-Juventus and Bayern Munich coach, who experienced disappointment with Italy at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004, turned 70 on St Patrick's Day, March 17.
