Italy's Del Piero to start against Romania

Italy forward Alessandro Del Piero will start against Romania in tomorrow['s group clash, coach Roberto Donadoni said today. Del Piero came on as a substitute for the world champions in Monday's 3-0 defeat by Netherlands in their first group game.

Italy forward Alessandro Del Piero will start against Romania in tomorrow['s group clash, coach Roberto Donadoni said today.

Del Piero came on as a substitute for the world champions in Monday's 3-0 defeat by Netherlands in their first group game. Defender Giorgio Chiellini will also play against the Romanians, who drew 0-0 with France on Monday.

"Obviously, Giorgio Chiellini and Alessandro Del Piero and possibly a few others are going to feature in the lineup," Donadoni told a news conference.

He hinted that defender Marco Materazzi, carrying a slight calf problem, would be dropped and said there could be three, four or five changes to the lineup.

Italy will be eliminated if they lose to Romania.

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