Chelsea star Jorginho is set to be man-marked by Austria at Wembley on Saturday night as they look to cause a shock against Italy in the last 16.
Jorginho has divided opinion during his three seasons at Stamford Bridge but he has been a key man for Italy in this tournament, directing operations from a deep-lying midfield role.
Austria’s German boss Franco Foda is determined to nullify that threat, meaning midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, one of his side’s most dangerous attacking players until now, will be detailed to shadow Jorginho’s every move.
Italy are likely to be without captain Giorgio Chiellini once again after he damaged a calf muscle in the 3-0 win over Switzerland in the group stage, leaving Juventus team-mate Leonardo Bonucci to take the armband, with Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi favourite to partner him in central defence.
But boss Roberto Mancini faces a selection puzzle in midfield, with fit-again Marco Verratti competing for a starting spot with Manuel Locatelli, who scored twice against Switzerland.
Verratti, a Champions League regular with Paris Saint-Germain, missed the opening two matches with a knee problem but impressed in the 1-0 win over Wales and looks set to keep his place, despite Locatelli’s excellent form.
‘I must thank the coach because he has waited for me to be ready,’ said Verratti.
‘We’ve always spoken regularly on the phone and he has always believed in me. We like to play entertaining football. We have a good mix between older and younger players, and we enjoy ourselves on the pitch.
‘We’re a good team and we’ll stand up and be counted.’
Though Italy are favourites, none of their players have had the success at club level enjoyed by David Alaba, who joined Real Madrid recently after 12 silverware-laden years at Bayern Munich.
The 29-year-old won 20 major trophies with the German giants, including two Champions Leagues. He added: ‘It is a very important game, a special game for all the players and for all Austrians.
'Our strength is our collective spirit, even if we have some top-quality players. We’re going to London to make our dream come true.’