Italy coach Roberto Donadoni made five changes to his starting lineup against Romania today as the world champions went in search of a much-needed win to keep their aspirations alive.
Midfielders Daniele De Rossi and Simone Perrotta came into the side for Gennaro Gattuso and Massimo Ambrosini, while defender Fabio Grosso was also included in the group match.
Donadoni had already announced that striker Alessandro Del Piero would start as captain and Giorgio Chiellini would also play. Defenders Marco Materazzi, Andrea Barzagli and forward Antonio Di Natale dropped to the bench.
Romania made two changes from the side which started their scoreless draw against France with Paul Codrea and Florentin Petre replacing Razvan Cocis and Banel Nicolita in midfield.
Italy lost their opening match 3-0 to Netherlands on Monday.
Teams
Italy
1) Gianluigi Buffon,
19) Gianluca Zambrotta, 4) Giorgio Chiellini, 2) Christian Panucci, 3) Fabio Grosso,
10) Daniele De Rossi, 21) Andrea Pirlo, 20) Simone Perrotta,
16) Mauro Camoranesi, 7) Alessandro Del Piero (captain) and
9) Luca Toni.
Romania
1) Bogdan Lobont,
2) Cosmin Contra, 15) Dorin Goian, 4) Gabriel Tamas, 3) Razvan Rat,
5) Cristian Chivu (captain), 8) Paul Codrea, 6) Mirel Radoi, 7) Florentin Petre,
10) Adrian Mutu and 21) Daniel Niculae.
Referee
Tom Henning Ovrebo (Norway)
Assitant referees
Geir Age Holen
Jan Petter Randen
Fourth official
Ivan Bebek