Image source, FIFA

Fifa's Twitter account posts a picture, external of the players' shirts in their respective dressing rooms.

Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon, who is winning his 142nd cap, warns his team-mates they must raise their game to avoid a World Cup "failure".

Since winning the World Cup for a fourth time in 2006, the Azzurri have failed to get past the group stage and face another early exit if they lose this game.

"Now we have to send some positive signals and the only way to do that is to raise our game against Uruguay," says Buffon. "We need to show some strength and pride and come up with a win. We need cool heads, but also to be highly motivated. If we end up going out in the first round, it will be a failure."

Image source, EPA

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport's Ben Smith at Estadio das Dunas: "As you would expect, there are many more Uruguay fans here than Italians. The players' names have just been read out on the field as both teams warm up.

"There was a special roar from all corners for Mario Balotelli but each and every one of the Uruguayans were given an altogether more deafening reception.

"Luis Suarez and Mario Balotelli. The two men who put England to the sword, two men all too familiar to England fans, could yet be the men to take centre stage in Natal. It's a real shoot-out."

Image source, @luis16suarez

Pressure? What pressure?

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez carries the weight of a nation on his shoulders as Los Charruas must defeat Italy to advance to the knockout stages.

But just hours before kick-off, Liverpool striker Suarez posted this picture of his family on his official Twitter account, external with the message: "Thanks for coming and supporting me as always. You give me more energy than everyone else. I love you a lot."

Conor McNamara
BBC commentator in Natal

BBC Commentator Conor McNamara tweets, external a view from his vantage point at the Estadio das Dunas in Natal.

You can hear updates from Italy versus Uruguay on BBC Radio 5 live.

So will it be Mario or Luis who will be gracing the last 16 stage in Brazil?

Can two-time world champions and 2010 semi-finalists Uruguay produce the goods when it counts? Will Italy hold their nerve?

Send me your predictions. Tweet #bbcworldcup,, external post a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page, external or text (UK only) 81111.

Image source, Getty Images

This is a must-win game for Uruguay, but Oscar Tabarez says his players are often best with their backs to the wall.

"I have a group who are used to resisting pressure and who react to it in a good way," adds the 67-year-old, who is in his second spell in charge of the South Americans.

"They've (Italy) been world champions four times and we have a lot of respect for them. It will be a tough challenge for us but I believe we'll have our chances."

The last time these two met was at Italia 90, the hosts running out 2-0 winners at the last 16 stage. Tabarez was Uruguay's coach that day too.

Daily Mail's Ian Ladyman on Twitter:, external Uruguay have won the hotel battle here in Natal. They have five-star, Italy only four. Right next to each other. Italian WAGS look unchuffed.

The big news from the Italian camp is that Borussia Dortmund-bound striker Ciro Immobile is given his first start of the tournament.

The 24-year-old scored 22 goals for Torino in Serie A last season and Cesare Prandelli will be hoping he can carry that form into this game after Italy's disappointing display in their defeat by Costa Rica last Friday.

Ben Smith in Natal
BBC Sport

"Luis Suarez leads the line for Uruguay, who are unchanged from win over England. Suarez has score five goals in seven World Cup matches."

Former Republic of Ireland international Mark Lawrenson

"This is essentially a play-off for a place in the last 16, although a draw will put Italy through on goal difference.

"I wonder how much Uruguay's efforts against England will have taken out of them. Although, having said that, Italy were given the run-around by Costa Rica.

"I see goals in this game, but ultimately Italy will just sneak through."

Ben Smith in Natal
BBC Sport

Image source, BBC Sport

"Uruguay fans finding novel ways to get around not having a Luis Suarez shirt. The atmosphere is building in Natal."

Italy: Buffon, De Sciglio, Chiellini, Darmian, Marchisio, Balotelli, Barzagli, Immobile, Bonucci, Pirlo, Verratti.

Uruguay: Muslera, Godin (c), Pereira, Rodriguez, Suarez, Gimenez, Lodeiro, Arevalo, Gonzalez, Cavani, Caceres.

It's a World Cup dripping in drama and this game is guaranteed to serve up even more thrills, spills, cheers and tears.

We already know England are preparing to head home and Costa Rica are going through. But what of Group D's other two teams?

One of Italy and Uruguay can still advance to the last 16. Yet while one will move to within 90 minutes of the quarter-finals, the other will be on the next plane out of Brazil.

Italy need a point to qualify, while Uruguay must beat Cesare Prandelli's side to progress.

Hold on to your seats, this is going to be another cracking 90 minute ride.

One has won the World Cup four times. . .

Image source, Getty Images

The other has one of the most feared strikers on the planet. . .

Image source, Getty Images

It's Italy versus Uruguay, Mario against Luis, the Azzurri versus Los Charruas.

And someone is going home.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is under pressure to make changes, and striker Ciro Immobile is likely to start. Daniele De Rossi looks set to miss out with a calf injury but defender Mattia De Sciglio is ready to return from a thigh problem.

Uruguay may name the same side that beat England, with Luis Suarez fit to start once again. Captain Diego Lugano remains an injury doubt, but Maxi Pereira is unavailable once again after suspension.