Giampaolo Pazzini believes he can form a lethal pairing with Sampdoria team-mate Antonio Cassano if they are both selected to face Serbia in Genoa tomorrow.

Cesare Prandelli's team top the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group C table with seven points after being held to a draw in Northern Ireland, and will look to put a further dent in Serbia's qualifying hopes. Serbia suffered a surprise defeat to Estonia on Friday and Pazzini is keen to heap more misery upon Vladimir Petrovic's side.

Petrovic had been brought in to replace Radomir Antic in a bid to get Serbia's qualification back on course, but the defeat by Estonia was the first home reverse for the country since the split from Montenegro in June 2006.

Pazzini told the Italian federation website: "I know Cassano too well to not appreciate him and try to keep him with me. I do not think that Prandelli has any favourites. Of course, playing on the same team as Cassano is an advantage - he knows how to pass the ball to me and I know where to position myself to receive his passes."

Of course, playing on the same team as Cassano is an advantage - he knows how to pass the ball to me and I know where to position myself to receive his passes.
Giampaolo Pazzini, Italy forward

Prandelli will have to do without Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi, who picked up a muscle injury in his left leg in training. Serbia will be without suspended Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic but Petrovic remains confident of his side's chances despite the shock defeat to Estonia.

Petrovic told uefa.com: "I believe we can improve in Italy if we eliminate mistakes. I'm optimistic."

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington will be looking to shot-shy striker David Healy to score his first goal in 15 internationals against the Faroe Islands in Toftir. Failure to build on the draw with Italy by winning in Toftir will be seen as a major disappointment by Worthington.

Faroe Islands coach Brian Kerr has doubts over midfielder Simun Samuelsen (foot) and defender Johan Davidsen (knee), but Jann Ingi Petersen's recovery from a thigh injury could see him start.

Estonia coach Tarmo Ruutli will be without the suspended Raio Piiroja and Sergei Zenjov is struggling with a leg injury for the clash with Slovenia in Tallinn. Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek must decide between Tim Matavz, scorer of a hat-trick in the 5-1 win over the Faroes, Josip Llicic and Andraz Kirm in attack.