Northern Ireland face a tough task if they are to build on last month's fine Euro 2012 qualifier win in Slovenia, with Italy visiting Windsor Park on Friday.
Corry Evans' goal secured a huge three points for Nigel Worthington's men in their only Group C game to date, but the former world champions will look to build on their own perfect start of two wins from two, as they look to put a miserable World Cup finals showing behind them.
Worthington faces into the game without Celtic's Paddy McCourt though, a shoulder injury ruling the tricky midfield man out of the cause. Rangers' Andrew Little has been called up to account for his absence and the withdrawal of Preston's Adam Barton, who hopes to play for England.
Evans was a sub in scoring in Slovenia and may have to play that role again, though brother Jonny is likely to start despite some iffy performances of late for the duo's club Manchester United. Beside him in defence Aaron Hughes will regain the captaincy after Stephen Craigan was afforded the armband for his 50th cap in Slovenia.
Burnley's Martin Paterson could displace David Healy up front, with the Sunderland man not having played at club level all season.
Italy have beaten Estonia and the Faroe Islands so far, but know the trip to Belfast will be a tough one as they continue to rebuild after their group stage exit in South Africa. Bologna's Emiliano Viviano is tipped to start in goal for them, with talisman Gianluigi Buffon still injured.
Coach Cesare Prandelli has recalled Stefano Mauri and Gianluca Zambrotta for the game, with Simone Pepe, Marco Borriello and Antonio Cassano having trained in a three-pronged attack in training this week, a possible hint to the evolvement of a team that is fast getting younger.
It is four years since Italy lost an away qualifier, however they have lost and drew in their only two previous visits to the north of Ireland.