Trapattoni - poor starts not uncommon (Allsport)

Click here to place your World Cup bets!
Click here for Italy 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

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni is unflustered by the Azzurri's stumble towards the second round.

After their comfortable opening win against Ecuador, they suffered the setback of losing 2-1 to Croatia despite being ahead with 17 minutes remaining.

They now face already-qualified Mexico on Thursday needing to at least equal Croatia's scoreline against eliminated Ecuador.

However, it is not the first time the Italians have made life difficult for themselves.

Italy lost their first match at USA '94 to the Republic of Ireland before making the final, while they qualified for the second phase on the way to lifting the trophy in 1982 without winning any of their group matches.

And the 63-year-old coach said: "It's nothing new as we always suffer in qualification. I am an optimist, but also a realist."

Influential defender Alessandro Nesta insists he will play with a painkilling injection if he has to, after limping off 25 minutes into the last game with a foot injury.

"I'm doing what I am told and it is getting better so I am hopeful," said the Lazio centre-back.

"The foot is swollen and it still hurts me but I have three days.

"The doctors here are very good and I am at their disposition. I will even play with an injection."

Meanwhile, although Italy have decided against making a protest to FIFA after they had two goals disallowed in the Croatian defeat, it seems it has not been forgotten in the Azzurri camp.

Striker Christian Vieri was particularly angry at the performances of English referee Graham Poll and linesman Jens Larssen.

The Inter Milan forward said: "I am sorry because we should have had another two goals. I am still really very bitter."