Pazin earns Bulgaria recall

Coach Plamen Markov is expected to make four changes for what could be his last match in charge of Bulgaria against Italy at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques in Guimarães on Tuesday.

Must-win for Italy
There is little at stake for Bulgaria who cannot advance after failing to pick up a point from their opening two Group C matches, but the outcome is of utmost importance to Italy who must win to have any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.

Pazin returns
Markov, whose contract expires at the end of the month, will field a new-look centre-back partnership as Predrag Pazin returns to the heart of defence after sitting out the 2-0 defeat by Denmark with an ankle injury. Pazin will start alongside Zlatomir Zagorcic, who comes in for the suspended Rosen Kirilov, while Ilian Stoianov moves to left-back to cover for the injured Ivailo Petkov.

Petkov out
The Fenerbahçe SK defender picked up a thigh strain in the defeat by Denmark on Friday. "Petkov has no chance of recovering in time," said Bulgaria team doctor Mihail Iliev. "He has suffered slight complications on his injured thigh and will not make the game."

Petrov suspended
Markov must also do without his influential captain Stilian Petrov. The Celtic FC midfield player was sent off late on against Denmark and his place is likely to be taken by Milen Petkov of AEK Athens FC, who coukd make his first start of the tournament.

Bojinov wait
Markov has also hinted that 18-year-old US Lecce midfield player Valeri Bojinov could be in line for his international debut as Bulgaria go in search of their first goal of the tournament. Bulgaria have decided the squad will not to travel to Braga on Monday as scheduled, but will instead remain in Póvoa do Varzim until Tuesday then drive to Guimarães on the day of the match.