The Azzurri are facing a crisis ahead of the most important game in Coach Roberto Donadoni’s career so far, the September 8 Euro 2008 qualifier against France at San Siro.

Materazzi is certainly ruled out after suffering a freak thigh injury during Wednesday’s 3-1 friendly in Hungary that almost ended his career.

Now captain Cannavaro is also in doubt, as he picked up a nasty knock during training with Real Madrid and has been left with a suspected sprained ankle.

The situation in defence is increasingly tense and the alternatives for the central roles are lacking in international experience for such a crucial match.

With this in mind, a newspaper campaign is mounting to bring Nesta back into the Italy fold, even if only for September’s qualifiers with France and Ukraine.

The Milan man retired from international duty this month, stating he was no longer physically able to sustain all his club and Azzurri commitments following a series of injuries.

However, it is still possible he could be coaxed back for just two decisive games in their hour of need.

It would be an intriguing exchange, as Materazzi was the man who stepped in during the 2006 World Cup when Nesta was injured – proving to be one of the leaders in that tournament.

Retiring at age 31, Nesta notched up 78 senior caps for his country, making his debut in a 3-1 victory away to Moldova on October 5, 1996.