Toni on the mend but Inzaghi still poised for Italy

FLORENCE, Italy, Sep 7 (Reuters) Luca Toni's chances of starting in Italy's Euro 2008 qualifier with France tomorrow have improved but probable stand-in Filippo Inzaghi is still desperate to play.

Doctors said yesterday that Toni had almost shaken off a thigh strain but a decision on whether the Bayern Munich striker was fit to play at the San Siro would be taken today.

If Toni fails to recover in time, AC Milan forward Inzaghi is ready to step in for the repeat of the World Cup final with second-placed Italy needing a victory against the Group B leaders to keep their qualification hopes on track.

''Italy v France is a game which everyone would want to play in,'' Inzaghi, 34, told reporters at Italy's training camp.

''We will fight with knives between our teeth. In difficult times this national team have always given their utmost.

''And then we play at the San Siro, the most beautiful stadium in the world. The public will give us a hand.'' Italy coach Roberto Donadoni usually employs one main front man with two wider forwards slotting back to make a five in midfield when defending.

Alessandro Del Piero and Udinese's Fabio Quagliarella, who scored both goals in June's 2-0 win in Lithuania, are expected to start out wide.

REUTERS BJR HT1540