Gila or Toni for Lippi?
Italy Coach Marcello Lippi is set to choose between Alberto Gilardino and Luca Toni to start in a 4-3-3 formation against Bulgaria.
The world champions face a tough test away to a dangerous Bulgaria side and they will need to play better than they did against Cyprus and Georgia.
Udinese marksman Simone Pepe looks likely to be handed his debut and the battle to join him up front with Antonio Di Natale is between in-form Gilardino and out-of-sorts Toni.
“A bit of Pepe will certainly be good for the team,” Lippi grinned. “I like the way he plays and how he covers and moves from deep.
“But I have never given any hints as to formation in training. I don't think I have announced anything and I have tried various options.
“A player who isn't shining for his club isn't necessarily out of form because his performances can be dependent on his teammates, Coach and other factors.
“How is Giorgio Chiellini's fitness? He looks like he will be able to play. He just needed a week of work.”
Lippi certainly won't be underestimating his opponents, who have some fearsome weapons.
“We all know Dimitar Berbatov but they have other important players such as Martin Petrov - he's an injury doubt but he will play in the end.
“They have been talking about our absentees? That's for the best because we can shock them.”
Alessandro Gamberini is challenging Chiellini for a place in the defence, while his Fiorentina teammate Riccardo Montolivo may be preferred to Roma's Simone Perrotta.
Italy (probable): Amelia; Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Dossena; Gattuso, De Rossi, Montolivo; Pepe, Gilardino, Di Natale