The Czech Republic face Italy’s Azzurri in their World Cup Group E match on Thursday in Hamburg in a game that Czech Republic must win to be guaranteed a place in the last sixteen.

The Czech Republic's 2-0 defeat to Ghana seriously affected the Republic’s chances of qualifying for the next round, but if hey win then they are guaranteed a place, with a draw maybe being enough if Ghana’s Black Stars fail win against The USA.

Injuries and suspensions have seriously reduced Czech head coach Karel Brückner’s options in attack and will have to field his back-up strikers.

Tomas Ujfalusi and Vratislav Lokvenc are both suspended for the Czechs, with the Czech’s also without the injured striker Jan Koller who strained a hamstring but may be fit in time for the knockout stages.

Aston Villa’s Milan Baros has started light training after injuring his foot in a pre-tournament friendly, and may well play a part in the match.

For Italy, AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso should start, with Italy head coach Marcello Lippi likely to play Gianluca Zambrotta on the left and Mauro Camoranesi on the right.

AS Roma captain and Azzurri playmaker Francesco Totti may be left on the bench, with Daniele De Rossi banned after his red card against the United States

Midfielder Simone Perrotta, who was injured in the match against the USA is likely to start the match.

There are rumours that Lippi will play Totti and Gilardino up-front, with Camoranesi playing just behind them. Whatever the formation, the Azzurri know that they need at least a draw to be certain of progressing to the next stage.

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