BALOTELLI IS PUSHING FOR THE PASSION

MARIO BALOTELLI has accused Italy players of playing “without that desire to defend the nation's jersey" as they seek to seal a World Cup playoff spot tonight.

- BY NEIL MCLEMAN

The Azzurri, who take on third-placed Israel, have been chasing Norway in Group I since a 3-0 defeat in Oslo in June.

And unless Norway fail to beat Estonia at home next month, Italy will not even overtake them with two wins from their remaining games.

Victory in Udine tonight will at least guarantee they can finish no lower than second and, more than likely, ensure another nail-biting bid to qualify for the World Cup via the playoffs.