Pretoria - Defending World Cup champions Italy will battle it out to guarantee themselves a place in the knock-out stages when they take on Slovakia in Johannesburg's Coca-Cola Park this afternoon.
The Italians will go to their Group F decider with two points from their two draws against Paraguay and minnows New Zealand.
With Germany, the USA, Uruguay, Argentina, Ghana, Mexico and England already having qualified to the next group stage, today's fixture is the turning point for the reigning champs.
The Slovakia and Italy match will be played simultaneously with another Group F decider in Polokwane's Peter Mokaba stadium between Group F leaders Paraguay and New Zealand. Kick-off for both matches is at 16:00.
The South American team is leading the group with four points, followed by both Italy and the All Whites with two points each. Slovakia is at the bottom of the group with only one point.
The Slovakians will also be looking for a win
