Czech Republic defender David Rozehnal is looking forward to "one of the biggest games of his career" against Italy.

The Czechs take on Group E leaders Italy in a crucial encounter which will decide which two teams will progress to the second phase of the World Cup.

After their shocking 2-0 defeat against Ghana, the Czechs must beat the Italians to make sure of their place in the knock-out stages. Anything else would leave them worrying about the result of the game between USA and Ghana.

"I have played in the Under-21 European Championship final, in the Euro 2004 tournament and at club level I have also played in difficult Champions League games," said Paris St Germain's Rozehnal.

"The game against Italy is certainly one of the most important of my career.

"I don't know about the rest of my team-mates but I definitely want to remain in Germany longer than Friday."

With Fiorentina defender Tomas Ujfalusi suspended, Rozehnal will have to direct his team's backline.

He is well aware of the mighty task that awaits him as he must stop the likes of Serie A's top scorer Luca Toni.

"Ujfalusi, who plays with Toni at Fiorentina, has given me a couple of tips," said Rozehnal.

"The Italians have very good strikers who can punish you if you give them a chance. That is why we will have to be very focused."

The Czechs struggled in every department against Ghana having previously beaten the US 3-0 but Rozehnal is confident they will restore their reputation against the Azzurri.

"Italy play a different game to that of Ghana," he said.

"We will play for the victory and we must also avoid conceding goals.

"A draw could be sufficient for us to go through but we simply cannot take chances."

While the Czechs will be without suspended duo Vratislav Lokvenc and Ujfalusi, they have recovered attacking force Milan Baros and Jan Koller.

Both players have shaken off their respective injuries in time for the crucial game.

"This is very good news for us," said Rozehnal.

"I think that we have a strong team and we will play well against Italy."

Rozehnal believes his team-mates are upbeat about their chances of advancing to the next round.

"When we qualified for this competition we set a goal to reach the second round," he said. "That is our aim.

"If we think we cannot do it we may as well not step on the pitch."