BERLIN, June 12 - Italy at last have the chance to clear the fog of the domestic match-fixing investigation when they play Ghana in World Cup Group E on Monday.
The champions of 1934, 1938 and 1982 have had to contend with injuries to defender Gianluca Zambrotta and midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, as well as the distraction of their biggest soccer scandal for more than 20 years.
Italy will need to concentrate on the task in hand when they face debutants Ghana in Hanover (2100 local time, 1900 GMT), as a poor start could prove costly in a tricky group. The Italians were unlucky to go out to co-hosts South Korea in the second round of the last World Cup.
Inspired by in-form striker Luca Toni, they look to have a stronger team this time but Ghana have been sounding confident.
The Africans boast a European-based midfield quartet, led by Michael Essien, and will certainly not be pushovers.
"I think the pressure is on Italy," said striker Matthew Amoah. "This is our first World Cup, we have nothing to lose."
