Click here to place your World Cup bets!
Click here for Argentina team section
Click here for teams index
Click here for latest World Cup headlines
Click here for World Cup photo gallery
Click here for World Cup Bettingzone

Argentina legend Gabriel Batistuta is heart-broken but his adopted homeland of Italy could help ease the pain.

The Roma striker is praying that the Azzurri survive into the next round of the World Cup.

Earlier today, Batistuta's dream of winning football's ultimate prize were forever shattered when Argentina crashed out after managing only a 1-1 draw with Sweden in their final Group F clash.

It was the 33-year-old's last international match and the thought of Italy suffering the same fate is too upsetting for him to contemplate.

The Azzurri face Mexico at the Oita Stadium and their situation is precarious.

The Mexicans are on top of Group G with six points, followed by Italy and Croatia with three apiece.

Defeat by the Central Americans could sent Giovanni Trapattoni's men tumbling out of the tournament in the first round along with fellow big guns France and Argentina.

"Their (Italy's) psychological situation is different from ours, even if the match against Mexico is going to be very difficult," said Batistuta.

"They risk it but I believe they will make it."