Italy defender Alessandro Nesta will miss Monday's eagerly-anticipated last 16 clash against Australia with a groin muscle injury.

Azzurri team doctor Enrico Castellacci confirmed on Saturday that the match against the Socceroos will come too soon for the 30-year-old AC Milan defender.

"It is not a big strain but he certainly won't play against Australia on Monday. We will continue to evaluate him and try to get him back as fast as possible," said Castellacci.

Nesta picked up the injury in the first half of Thursday's 2-0 win over Czech Republic and was replaced by Marco Materazzi. He went on to score Italy's opening goal against Karel Bruckner's side and the Internazionale star is expected to deputise for Nesta against Australia.

Marcello Lippi will also be without Daniele De Rossi's services as the midfielder is serving a four-match suspension following his dismissal in the 1-1 draw against the USA.

Italy are keen to gain revenge on Australia coach Guus Hiddink, who guided South Korea to a shock victory against the Azzurri in the second round of the competition four years ago.

Italy's victory against the Czech Republic extended their unbeaten sequence to 21 matches.

Hiddink is expected to recall goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to his starting line-up following Zeljko Kalac's error-strewn display in the 2-2 draw with Croatia.

The Middlesbrough shot-stopper played in Australia's first two Group F games against Japan and Brazil but lost his place to Kalac for the Croatia match.

Brett Emerton is suspended following his dismissal in the closing stages of the action-packed draw with the Croats and Marco Bresciano is expected to replace him.

Hiddink will also be without Tony Popovic who will play no further part in the tournament after straining a calf muscle in the 2-0 defeat to Brazil.