Italy midfielder Francesco Totti has encouraged his team-mates to do their utmost to beat Czech Republic in Hamburg on Thursday.
Azzurri need a draw to be sure of qualification for the second round after only picking up a point from their match with USA at the weekend.
The Roma captain believes his side have been unfairly criticised for their performance against Bruce Arena's men, after being tipped to go all the way just days before when they thrashed Ghana in Hannover.
"We must win against Czech Republic, there are no excuses," Totti warned.
"I'm not interested in other comments, we are able to beat everyone.
"If I'm not wrong, after the match with Ghana it was said we were the most in-form side at the tournament.
"So I don't see why now, even as we are top of our group and have the best goal difference, we are being talked about as being eliminated.