Baden, June 12:

The World Cup champions Italy are already facing elimination from the European Championship — after only one game. If the Azzurri lose to Romania on Friday, they will be out of contention before facing France. A draw won’t help much, either.

Italy was routed 3-0 by the Netherlands in their Group C opener, while Romania held France to a 0-0 draw.

“I think the game against Italy will be like the one against France,” Romanian striker Mutu said. “From a physical point of view, we are all in good shape, but our rivals (Italy) are more skilled than we are.”

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni could make changes in lineup for the Zurich match, inserting Fabio Grosso and Giorgio Chiellini in defense, Daniele De Rossi in midfield and Alessandro Del Piero in attack.

Romania coach Victor Piturca doesn’t have such

a wealth of options in

attack, but he is expecting Mutu to perform better,

after pulling the ineffective forward 12 minutes from

the end against France. Piturca has promised

that “the real Mutu” will show up against Italy.

Mutu isn’t the only member of Romania’s squad familiar with the Italians. In all, six players on Romania’s squad are either currently based in Italy or have played there before.

Captain Christian Chivu plays for Italian champion Inter Milan, midfielder Paul Codrea is employed by Siena and defender Stefan Radu is with Lazio. Also, defender Cosmin Contra played for AC Milan in 2001-02 and goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont recently left Fiorentina. Romania striker Ciprian Marica injured his head during training on Tuesday, and his availability is uncertain.