The Azzurri go into the match in Berne with some real problems in defence after inspirational World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro was ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury.

Andrea Barzagli is certain to take one of the centre back positions, but Donadoni appears to have ruled out the chance of Christian Panucci taking the other. With Marco Materazzi still not fully fit, it seems as if Giorgio Chiellini will partner Barzagli at centre back.

"I do not want to lose another man after having already lost Cannavaro,” Donadoni told La Stampa.

“There are players for that role [not Panucci who is a natural right back] and initially I favour them.”

Many people believe Italy may struggle without Cannavaro at the back, but Donadoni has confidence in the rest of his defenders.

"I think that the defenders who have come in during the last two years have done more than well,” he explained.

“For example, we've already been without Materazzi for a while and Barzagli did not let anyone down.”