And in the red corner, playing out of Jurassic Park, the men who devoured the Moroccans. Ladies and gentlemen . . . Norway.

In Marseille this afternoon the Norwegians take the field as the most unloved underdogs in recent World Cup memory. Their crimes against football include bursting the Brazilian bubble, bouncing the lovely Moroccans out and peddling a style of play as aesthetically pleasing as old flock wallpaper.

"Of course we can beat Italy," said their manager Egil Olsen after a training session. "But I don't think it will be easier. Brazil had nothing to play for, they were already qualified." Manchester United striker OleGunnar Solskjaer, who came on as a second-half substitute against Brazil, said: "It's going to be difficult for us. Italy will be the favourites, but I think that's something that suits Norway better than Italy. Olsen, whose team has not been beaten since January 1997, has made just one change to his starting line-up. He brings Erik Mykland into a five-man midfield in place of Roar Strand, whom Mykland replaced early in the second half of the Brazil game. That means a return to the bench for Solskjaer. The Norwegians are hoping that the tight-marking Italian defence will suit them. "Normally we play well against defences which (man-) mark players," said Olsen.

Ominously he added that, despite popular demand, Norway will not be adjusting their style of play. "We'll play the direct play and we'll play our zonal defence as we always have done. I've said it before, I think we are the most predictable team in the World Cup - no secrets, no changes, still the same all the time."

The Italians are almost as predictable in their team selections at this stage and look to have found their rhythm. They spent the past couple of days training in closed sessions at their northern base in Senlis and the only source of debate in the Italian camp was extinguished yesterday when Cesare Maldini indicated he would start with Alessandro Del Piero and Christian Vieri up front with Roberto Baggio on the bench.

The Italians should win but the game will make for an interesting test. The muscular Norwegian defence is more British in style than any other team left in the World Cup (including England) and a large portion of the responsibility will fall on Vieri to make space for his partner.

The Italian defence, heavily criticised after their opening game against Chile, has settled down somewhat but there is some evidence that the Italians don't like defending against big strong forwards. Step up Tore Andre Flo.

Lots to consider and it should be intriguing without being beautiful. Italy to save football.

Norway: Grodas; Berg, Eggen, Johnsen, Bjornebye; H Flo, Leonhardsen, Rekdal, Mykland, Riseth; T A Flo.