The Juventus striker will be one of the changes made by coach Roberto Donadoni for the Group C encounter at the Letzigrund stadium.

"I want to make the difference," said Del Piero, who will also be handed the captaincy. "I will play close to Luca Toni as the second striker."

He added: "I always feel a responsibility when I represent my country, even when I don't play and more so today when I will captain the team.

"But none of it scares me."

Del Piero was a second-half substitute in the Azzurri's crushing 3-0 defeat by Holland in their opening game.

And despite failing to find the back of the net, the 33-year-old was considered the best Italian player on the pitch.

The Juve forward played a vital role in Italy's World Cup triumph in Germany two years ago but poor form saw him dropped by Donadoni for several Euro 2008 qualifying games.

However, Del Piero hit back by finishing as Serie A's leading scorer for the first time in his career after notching 21 goals for the Turin giants.