Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon believes his team have just as much hunger to win Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier as Serbia do despite the Azzurri having already sealed a spot in next year's tournament finals.

Italy travel to Belgrade holding a five-point lead over nearest Group C rivals Serbia, who must beat the Azzurri to secure a play-off berth.

"We can take advantage of this game to see where we are at in terms of our growing process," Buffon told reporters at a press conference at the team's training base in Coverciano.

"It's true that in terms of the standings, this game means little for us and a lot to them.

"But we are determined to maintain our unbeaten run in qualifying and continue to improve as a team."

Italy go into the encounter riding a three-match winning streak and the Juventus goalkeeper expects his side to finish strongly.

"Against Serbia we have to show the same character and determination that we have displayed in our recent games," Buffon said.

"We are in a good position to show our best and it would be a big confidence boost if we were able to pass this test."

Inter Milan striker Giampaolo Pazzini, who came off the bench to score the winner against Slovenia in last month's qualifier, has been ruled out for Friday's match with a foot problem.

Italy are also without the services of injured Fiorentina forward Alberto Gilardino and national coach Cesare Prandelli will hope to recover Pazzini in time for next week's final qualifier against Northern Ireland in Pescara.

Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli could be handed a start against Serbia.

"In the last game that we played against Slovenia, Mario showed a great willingness to emerge and show his potential," Buffon said.

This is a good sign. In any case we also have other strikers like Giuseppe Rossi, Antonio Cassano, that have done well and can also make a difference."

Prandelli will be forced to make some changes in defence with Zenit St. Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito and Palermo defender Federico Balzaretti both ruled out of the trip to Belgrade through back injuries.