Czech, who routed the United States 3-0 but were stunned by Ghana 2-0, found themselves in a must-win situation against Italy, their last but strongest opponent in Group E.

    In theory, all the four teams have the chance to qualify before their last-round duel. Italy are topping the group on four points, followed by the Czech Republic and Ghana, both three points, and the United States one point.

    For the Czechs, injuries and suspensions have weakened the team, particularly up front as striker Jan Koller has a hamstring injury and his replacement Vratislav Lokvenc picked up two yellow cards over the first two games.

    However, striker Milan Baros returned to full training on Tuesday after struggling with a foot injury and could play in Thursday's clash against Italy.

    Baros, top scorer at Euro 2004, had not trained properly since sustaining the injury in a June 3 friendly and it had looked as though he might not play in the tournament at all.

    The return of Baros would be very good news for the Czechs as his great pace and his return would provide a lift for the team.

    Furthermore, Italian football are not strange to Czech players Pavel Nedved and Marek Jankulovski.

    Nedved, former European Footballer of the Year, has won three Italian titles with Juventus and Lazio while Jankulovski has played six seasons in the Serie A with AC Milan and Udinese.

    The pair are important to their team's counter attacking game, with Nedved's bursts from midfield and long-range shooting feared by Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro.

    "Pavel is an annoying player to play against," said Cannavaro, who plays alongside Nedved at Juventus.

    Neved and Jankulovski's experiences in Italy will help their squad a lot in the match in Hamburg.

    For Italy, all are hoping midfielder Simone Perrotta will be fit in time for Thursday's crucial clash against the Czech Republic.

    The Roma player sustained a knock during Saturday's 1-1 draw against the United States and is suffering from back pain.

    Perrotta's absence would be a blow for national coach Marcello Lippi as he has already been without suspended midfielder Daniele De Rossi, dismissed against the US for an elbow on Fulham striker Brian McBride.

    "Perrotta could recover for Thursday's game," Italian team doctor Enrico Castellacci said. "But we will only be able to confirm his availability on Wednesday."

    Italy just need to take a point against the Czechs in order to qualify for the knock-out round. Enditem