Watch Italy vs Serbia european championship live

Italy will have to bounce back from their goalless draw in Genoa tonight without star Roma player Daniele De Rossi. He suffered a left thigh problem in training and won't be able to feature at all in tonight's euro 2012 qualifier. Despite Cesare Prandelli's less than great result in Belfast last Friday they still stand above everyone else in group C but they know that tonight's encounter with the former yugoslavs could be a fierce battle and will test the Italians greatly. The Serbians will be licking their wounds after the 3-1 failure to Estonia last Friday, their first home defeat since they became an independent nation from Montenegro in 2006 and the Azzuri could face a tough backlash.

Cesare Prandelli speaking before tonight's match said: "That result makes this game all the more difficult because they cannot make a mistake tomorrow, I would have preferred to have avoided a hurt Serbia," said Prandelli. "But the fact that they have lost against Estonia is a sign that we must be prepared for surprises in this qualifying round because our group is very even."

If Serbia slip up against Italy it could see the side slump to fifth place in the group C standings and give them a real blow to their morale. Serbia coach Vladimir Petrovic has stressed that he needs a much needed improved display from the team to help the team recover from last week's disappointing result with Estonia. "This was a real surprise for us and for our supporters," Petrovic said. "I believe we can improve in Italy provided we limit mistakes. I'm optimistic."

Serbian playmaker Milos Krasic is a much valued member of the Serbia team and Italy defender Domenico Criscito is well aware of the threat he poses and that the Azzuri will have to keep a tight unit if they are to shut out the attacking nouse of the player who has been a linchpin in Juventus' great performances this season in serie A. "Everybody knows Krasic's quality," said Criscito. "He is a great player, very fast. He is in good form and is a real danger. We will have to make sure we don't give him any chances."

However Serbia will have to play out the game without the help of star defender, Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic who is suspended. Italy will also probably Sampdoria duo Giampaolo Pazzini and Daniele Gastaldello given a spot in the starting lineup.

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