Star-studded Italy inspire hope in Donadoni

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni was optimistic the world champions would get their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign back on track after naming a star-studded squad for qualifiers against Ukraine and Georgia.

After experimenting with unfamiliar players in his first three matches in charge, Donadoni has reverted to type for the qualifiers against Ukraine in Rome on Saturday and Georgia away four days later.

His 25-man squad included 19 who returned in triumph from the World Cup, and several who have not played since Donadoni took over from Marcello Lippi a few days after the final in Berlin in July.

"There are some changes, as is normal. That's because our general state of form is better and I've got more players to choose from," Donadoni was quoted as saying in an interview.

The world champions were missing six first-team regulars when they drew 1-1 with Lithuania and lost 3-1 to France at the Stade de France in their first two qualifiers last month.

Marco Materazzi was suspended, Alessandro Nesta injured and Mauro Camoranesi, Luca Toni, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Alessandro Del Piero were all left out because Donadoni felt they were behind in their physical preparation due to the late start of the Serie A season.

Italy's strikers have recently shown signs of regaining form.

Toni scored in Fiorentina's 3-0 win over Catania at the weekend, while Del Piero set up both goals in Juventus's 2-0 victory at Piacenza in Serie B.

"Like Toni, Del Piero was one of the players who was furthest behind in his preparation, but now he is getting back to his best," said Donadoni.

Italy lie sixth out of seven teams in Group B with one point from two matches, five points behind joint leaders France and Scotland.

Italy beat Ukraine 3-0 on the way to winning the World Cup but Donadoni said it would be a mistake for his side to take the three points for granted.

"In the first match it will take all our energy and concentration to get the win. I'm expecting a lot of support from the Roman public," he said.

Italy are without a win in three matches under Donadoni, who said he had considered resigning after the 3-1 defeat by France last month.

"There was a moment when I put my job in (Italian Olympic Committee president Gianni) Petrucci's hands, but he explained that I was part of his future plans."

Grosso out with thigh strain

Italy defender Fabio Grosso has been ruled out of Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Ukraine due to a thigh strain.

Grosso underwent medical tests near the team's base in Florence yesterday and his club Inter said he would be returning to them for treatment.

Attacking left-back Grosso, a member of Italy's World Cup-winning squad, will also miss the game in Georgia today week.

Donadoni did not immediately call up a replacement for Grosso.