Italy face a tricky start to their World Cup campaign when they play Ghana in Hanover, Monday evening at 19:00 GMT.

Ghana have plenty of confidence ahead of their finals debut, with their squad, dominated by players with experience in the top European leagues, receiving a clean bill of health.

With a notably strong midfield, featuring captain Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari, Ghana have the personnel to cause the Italians problems.

The Ialians come into the finals on an 18-match unbeaten run, but were less than impressive in qualifying.

The Azzurri's lost to Slovenia and being held by Scotland, while warm-up draws with Switzerland and Ukraine again left questions to answer.

Traditionally slow starters in the big tournaments, their cause has further been hindered by a string of injuries and the scandal surrounding Serie A.

Italy defender Alessandro Nesta has been passed fit, while coach Marcello Lippi confirmed Francesco Totti would play some part in the game.

But Gianluca Zambrotta and inspirational midfielder Rino Gattuso are both out with injuries.

Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic has no injuries to worry about, with Chelsea's Michael Essien and former Juventus player Stephen Appiah in midfield.

They warmed up for the tournament with wins over Jamaica and South Korea.

Player facts - Italy

Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro, Filippo Inzaghi and Alessandro Del Piero are competing in their third World Cup.

Cannavaro is the most capped Italian at World Cup 2006 with 93 caps.

He is one cap away from equalling third ranked Giacinto Facchetti.

The 32 year old has played eight World Cup matches, more than any other player in the current squad.

Del Piero is the most successful goalscorer in the current Italy squad.

With 25 goals, he is ranked joint fifth on the all-time Italian topscorer list.

Del Piero is also the only player in the current Italy squad to have scored a World Cup goal.

Player facts - Ghana

Defender Samuel Kuffour and midfielder Stephen Appiah are the most capped players in Ghana's squad with 58 and 42 caps respectively.

Of the 2006 squad, Appiah is Ghana's most prolific goalscorer with 11 international goals.

Appiah and forward Asamoah Gyan were the top scorers in Ghana's World Cup qualification campaign with four goals each.

Appiah and defender John Mensah appeared in 11 out of 12 qualification matches.