TAEJON, South Korea -- Italy Coach Giovanni Trapattoni believes it is time for his team to stand up and be counted as they prepare to face co-hosts South Korea in the World Cup's second round match on Tuesday.

A full house of fanatical Korean supporters is expected and Trapattoni expects his team to show their character.

"Sure there will be a lot of fans here but this is a game where we have to show who we are," the Italy coach said.

Trapattoni told reporters he could not name his starting lineup yet as he was still waiting on the fitness of central defender Alessandro Nesta and had yet to decide whether Alessandro del Piero or Filippo Inzaghi would partner Christian Vieri in attack.

"As with the previous games there are still some doubts over two starting positions. One is Nesta because it is still possible that he can make it and the other is the choice over whether to use Del Piero or Inzaghi," said Trapattoni.

The Italy coach was in upbeat mood about his team's form as they look to put their sluggish group stage performances behind them, Reuters reported.

"I look at the team and see them very fired up, in particular Francesco Totti. They are all developing and so is our desire.

The team is in good shape.

"When you play away from home then it is going to be like this. We have to have the approach that this is an away match," Trapattoni added.

"I have a lot of faith in the team, they really looked great in training on Sunday and produced some excellent stuff." Nonetheless, Trapattoni will be forced to reshuffle his defence with Fabio Cannavaro suspended and Nesta continuing to suffer from a badly bruised foot.

Nesta said he had only a 50-50 chance of being able to face the Koreans, and, should he fail to make it, Trapattoni said Mark Iuliano was the "natural alternative" in the center of defense.

The Italy coach also suggested that Francesco Coco could come in at left back with Paolo Maldini moving across to the center.

Barring any late problems Cristiano Zanetti and Damiano Tommasi will again start in the center of midfield, Trapattoni said.

Asked whether he thought the partisan crowd would influence the referee, Trapattoni said: "We are in korea and it is right that all the support is local. But we are also playing in front of hundreds of millions of television viewers so i have no doubts about the referee".