Italy lose De Rossi for meeting with wounded Serbia

Italy will be without midfielder Daniele De Rossi for today’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Serbia in Genoa.

The Roma stalwart sustained a left thigh injury in training on Sunday and has been ruled out for the encounter at the Luigi Ferraris stadium.

The Azzurri head into the game on the back of Friday’s goalless draw against Northern Ireland in Belfast. Despite that result, Cesare Prandelli’s side still lead Group C with seven points from three games.

Prandelli has warned his side to expect a fierce battle against Serbia.

The Serbians lost 3-1 to Estonia on Friday, their first defeat at home since the country split from Montenegro in 2006.

“That result makes this game all the more difficult because they cannot make a mistake,” said Prandelli.

A defeat for Serbia could see Vladimir Petrovic’s side drop to fifth in the standings, if Slovenia avoid a loss against Estonia in the other group game.

“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.”

Petrovic, meanwhile, has demanded an improved performance from his side as they look to make amends for last week’s poor showing.

“This was a real surprise for us and for our supporters,” he said. “I believe we can improve in Italy provided we limit mistakes. I’m optimistic.”

Genoa defender Domenico Criscito knows he and his team-mates will have to keep a close eye on Serbia star Milos Krasic.

The attacking midfielder has been inspirational for Juventus this season.

“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.”

The visitors will be without Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic through suspension.

Prandelli is set to hand Sampdoria pair Giampaolo Pazzini and Daniele Gastaldello a place in the starting XI. Pazzini will play alongside Antonio Cassano and Marco Borriello in Italy’s attack, while Gastaldello is expected to make his debut for the senior team partnering Giorgio Chiellini at the heart of Italy’s defence.