Italy began the tournament well with an impressive 1-1 draw against Spain although, after taking the lead in that clash, they may now look back on Sunday as a great chance to have beaten the reigning European champions wasted.

But, all the same, they still head to Poznan in upbeat mood ahead of what will be another test of their credentials against Croatia. Substitute Antonio Di Natale’s strike in Gdansk set them on their way against La Roja and he is in contention to start for Cesare Prandelli’s side with question marks over whether Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli will keep his place in the starting XI alongside Antonio Cassano.

Balotelli, backable at 5/2 to score anytime, dwelled on the ball when through on goal on Sunday to allow Spain defender Sergio Ramos to get back and make a last-ditch tackle and there have been calls in Italy for the coach to play Di Natale from the start after his impressive second-half appearance.

Other than that possible change, Prandelli intends to field largely the same side which did well against Spain although there is the possibility that the Azzurri may also go with a more defensive-minded left-back in Federico Balzaretti to counter the threat Croatia pose down the right with Darijo Srna and Ivan Rakitic.

If Italy can match their weekend performance, they have every right to believe a win is theirs for the taking on Thursday but there remains a fragility in the squad that Croatia can exploit.

Slaven Bilic’s men excelled against an admittedly limited Irish side in their opener, keeping the ball well and creating plenty of good chances. In fact, they should have won by more than the 3-1 scoreline and could be a real threat in the tournament if they build on that win and improve further.

Mario Mandzukic’s impressive brace has led to speculation that he could be on his way to the Premier League this summer where his strike partner, Nikica Jelavic, is already doing the business for Everton. Those two are a formidable partnership and the Italy defence will need to be on their toes to keep them quiet.

Luka Modric dictated the game from midfield against Ireland and Andrea Pirlo, who would like to do the same for Italy in this one, will have his work cut out just tracking the Spurs ace such was the ground he covered on Sunday.

Bilic is unlikely to make changes after praising the way his players performed against Ireland and expect them to again play an expansive, attacking game in Poznan.

These two sides look fairly well-matched, then, ahead of the Group C clash and a moment of brilliance from the likes of Modric or Balotelli may just decide it.

A draw at 11/5 is appealing but Croatia can edge it to virtually secure qualification and, at the same time, leave Italy staring at an early return home. Go for 2-1 in the correct score at 12/1.

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Manchester City

The midweek clash could decide who gets that fourth and final Champions League spot with the two sides seemingly having cut a drift LIverpool and Aston Villa.

Spurs’ win over Bolton kept them one point ahead of City while Mancini’s men ended any hopes Aston Villa had of a top finish by beating them 3-1 at Eastlands.

Liverpool’s hopes could be extinguished should they fail to beat Chelsea on Sunday with the Reds five points behind Tottenham with just two games to play.

Mancini believes no matter what else happens the winner of Wednesday’s match will be the team that makes it into the Champions League next season.

“I think we must beat Tottenham,” said Mancini. “It will be a massive game and we need all the supporters.

“It will be a fantastic game on Wednesday.”

City looked to be back to somewhere near their best on Saturday with the front three of Craig Bellamy, Carlos Tevez (28/1 top goalscorer) and Emmanuel Adebayor all getting on the score sheet for the home side.

However, the majority of City supporters had their eyes on debutant Marton Fulop, the Sunderland goalkeeper joining the Eastlands outfit on an emergency loan following Shay Given’s shoulder injury.

Fulop looked out of sorts at times, flapping at a number of crosses, although Mancini put it down to nerves and has backed him to come good.

While City’s goalkeeping situation shows no sign of improving Tottenham have their own concerns over their shot stopper.

Spurs (4/5 top four finish) number one Heurelho Gomes was visibly limping towards the end of their game with Bolton and manager Harry Redknapp has since revealed the Brazilian picked up a groin injury coming for a cross.

Gomes will now have a scan to determine whether he will be fit to start with Redknapp prepared to turn to England under-21 goalkeeper Ben Alnwick should his number one be ruled out of action.

Redknapp says he would be happy to turn to Alnwick, despite admitting that Wednesday’s game will be ‘massive’.

“We’re right there. We have two big games to come,” said Redknapp.

“It’s a massive game and we would have taken this at the start of the season.”

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