Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has admitted that he wants to experiment with Mario Balotelli and Giuseppe Rossi together in attack before next summer's World Cup.
Prandelli was planning to partner the Serie A duo in attack against Germany tonight at the San Siro, but Rossi is out of contention after suffering from illness in midweek.
Pablo Osvaldo has been named alongside Balotelli in the starting XI to face Germany but Prandelli has admitted that he likes the idea of replacing the Southampton striker, adding Rossi for variety in the final third.
He told RAI Sport: "Balotelli with Rossi is a tandem that I really like. The two compliment each other and they don't offer the opposition any points of reference.
"In my mind Balotelli is a centre-forward, while Pepito is someone who can play behind him.
"Unfortunately I can't try this experiment against Germany, but there will be time."
Serie A's top scorer so far this season is hopeful of being fit to feature for Italy in London on Monday night, with Nigeria their opponents at Fulham's Craven Cottage.
Liam Power
