Italy captain Paolo Maldini has reminded his team-mates of the dangers of over-confidence and insisted today's opponents Croatia merited full respect.

Italy won their opening Group G game 2-0 against Ecuador on Monday but Maldini said it would be a huge error for Italy to think that passage to the second round was in the bag.

"We haven't got to think that we have already done it," left-back Maldini, playing in his fourth World Cup, said. "We had a good first game and we need to carry on like that."

Maldini, who is doubtful for today's match after twisting his ankle in training yesterday, recalled the Euro Championship in England in 1996. After Italy had won their opening game against Russia, coach Arrigo Sacchi rested several players for the second game against the Czech Republic which the Italians lost 2-1.

That result left Italy needing victory against Germany in their third group match and a goalless draw meant the 'Azzurri' made a surprise early exit.

"At Euro '96 we underestimated the Czechs and that is an experience we need to remember," said Maldini.

The Croatians are the only team in Group G to have beaten the Italians in the past, enjoying a 2-1 win in a European Championship qualifier in Palermo in 1994, a game in which Maldini played.

"They beat us at Palermo and they finished third in the World Cup four years ago so they are an important team, full of international experience," said Maldini, who is Italy's most capped player with 123 caps.