Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that he is dreading the prospect of a penalty shootout settling his side's World Cup quarter-final against Ukraine.

The Azzurri have suffered spot-kick heartache at two of the last three tournaments, while Buffon was in goal for Juventus when they lost the 2003 Champions League final on penalties to AC Milan.

Buffon commented: "Since I was a kid I dreamed of winning games on penalties.

"But since the Champions League final in Manchester I no longer dream about that.

"I didn't see (Francesco) Totti's penalty kick against Australia.

"If we had to go to penalties against Ukraine I would not look at the penalties taken by my team-mates, it would be too emotional."

Meanwhile, Italy have been boosted by striker Vincenzo Iaquinta recovering from injury to take his place in the squad to take on Ukraine.