Italy console themselves with attacking intent

Part of the reason for the attacking intent after Mario Mandzukic levelled on 72 minutes following Andrea Pirlo's first-half opener is that the Azzurri defence is not as strong as previous versions and going forward nulls the threat.

In any case, they have to go on the front foot in their final group game with eliminated Ireland on Monday.

Only a win will do for Italy to reach the last eight and even that will not be enough if Spain and Croatia play out a scoring draw of two goals each or more - something conspiracy-obsessed Italian media have already pointed out.

"We could have closed out the game with another goal," Pirlo, who netted the first free kick at a Euros since 2004, told reporters.

"It was a game to win. We can still go through. We want to grow and improve... it's not finished, we will try to win the next game."

Strikers Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano had another suspect game so Prandelli will be considering bringing in Antonio Di Natale from the start.

Little else is expected to change in the lineup given his midfielders on the bench are generally more defensive than those on the field.

This alone should cheer suffering Italy fans, as well as the fact Ireland have been the worst team at the tournament.

Several chances were created against Croatia in the first half and in truth Slaven Bilic's side should have been buried before they had the opportunity to equalise.

Another bright start against Ireland and Italy should be on their way but the Irish will not want to bow out without a fight and their Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni will make sure his team are properly motivated.

"We have wasted a really great chance," said midfielder Thiago Motta, who came off as a precaution after a head injury.

"Now we will think about the next game knowing that against Ireland it will not be easy."