It's make or break for Italy

13 April 2012

Italy must beat Mexico tomorrow to banish the spectre of an early exit.

Midfielder Gianluca Zambrotta, one of the few Italians to come out of the defeat by Croatia with any credit, says the players have put the refereeing decisions - which saw two Italy goals ruled out - behind them and are fully focused on the make-or-break game in Oita.

Zambrotta said: "If we fail we are out. We are alert and very motivated and we have the desire - make no mistake about that."

Group leaders Mexico have already beaten Croatia and Ecuador and need just a point off Italy to qualify.

Defeat for either side, though, would leave the door open for Croatia, who play Ecuador - a team who have no points but are still in with an outside chance of going through to the next stage.

Italy are still waiting on the fitness of Alessandro Nesta and Cristiano Zanetti, who have foot injuries.

Mexico v Italy
Oita, tomorrow, 12.30pm

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