Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino is backing teammate Riccardo Montolivo to have a big World Cup for Italy.

There were doubts as to whether Montolivo would even be in the final list of 23, but Andrea Pirlo's injury makes it more likely he will get to play the opener against Paraguay.

"Who will be the revelation of the tournament? I might well be biased, but I choose Montolivo," said Gila.

"I feel the same subtle euphoria of four years ago when we set off for the training camp in Duisburg.

"Today, like then, we are united and determined. The nine World Cup winners are the leaders, while the younger elements immediately understood how to approach an adventure like this."