Italy vs. Czech Republic, 2014 World Cup qualifying: Preview and TV schedule

A victory at home to the Czech Republic would see Italy become the first European nation to book their place at next year's World Cup. Currently sitting seven points clear of Bulgaria at the top of Group C, three points would be enough to guarantee their spot.

However, the Czech Republic still have it all to play for and certainly won't be giving the Azzurri an easy ride. Just a point behind Bulgaria -- who currently occupy the qualification playoff place -- and level on points with Armenia and Denmark, they know that qualification is still within reach. Having missed out on the last World Cup in South Africa, they'll be even more determined to make it to Brazil next year.

They're boosted by Italian injury problems, with defenders Luca Antonelli and Ignazio Abate both unavailable and forward Lorenzo Insigne in doubt. On the other side, Riccardo Montolivo, Mario Balotelli and Pablo Osvaldo are all available again after suspensions and will likely be involved, while Manuel Pasqual and Lorenzo De Silvestri have been drafted into the squad to replace in the injured full-backs.

Follow @SBNationSoccer on Twitter | Like SB Nation Soccer on Facebook