Even if they currently boast a two-point advantage at the top of Group H, Croatia cannot afford to relax just yet and need to give their best to record a positive result against Italy.

Meanwhile, the Azzurri are looking to end a two-match winless run and improve their chances of securing one of the top two positions, with the matching taking place in front of empty stands.

With coach Niko Kovac having some world-class players at his disposal, Croatia were tipped to go far at the 2014 World Cup, but they instead crashed out in the group stage after losing two of three matches.

Vatreni did show some promise having matched hosts Brazil for large periods of the opening game and hammered Cameroon, but that was no comfort for the disappointing exit.

Croatia did show improvement in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, winning four of five matches in style, while holding Italy to a 1-1 draw in Milano.

Vatreni now have a chance to all but secure their place at the tournament finals and they can be backed at 2.40 (7/5) to emerge victorious.

Coach Niko Kovac is facing a serious defensive headache seeing that Vedran Corluka is banned and Dejan Lovren and Tin Jedvaj are out injured.

Key midfielder Luka Modric has failed to recover from a knee problem, but Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic will be running the show from the centre of the park.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Subasic – Srna, Vida, Schildenfeld, Pranjic – Brozovic, Badelj – Perisic, Rakitic, Olic – Mandzukic.

The 2014 World Cup started well for Italy as they defeated England in their opening fixture, but back to back losses to Costa Rica and Uruguay saw the Azzurri crash out in the group stage.

The national team chiefs then appointed Antonio Conte to replace Cesare Prandelli, and the former Juventus coach is yet to lose as an Italy boss.

Italy started the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign by defeating Norway, Azerbaijan and Malta, but they could only share spoils with Croatia and Bulgaria.

The Azzurri now hope to defeat Vatreni in front of the empty stands, with away win available at 3.40 (12/5) at bet365.

Antonio Conte is without Giorgio Chiellini, Marco Verratti, Simone Zaza and Andrea Barzagli, while Gianluigi Buffon is a major doubt.

Giacomo Bonaventura has been called to increase competition for places, with the coach expected to field his side in a 4-3-3 formation.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Sirigu – Darmian, Bonucci, Astori, De Sciglio – Marchisio, Pirlo, De Rossi – Candreva, Immobile, Gabbiadini.