Cesare Prandell will be expected to maintain his 100% start to competitive action when Italy host Faroe Islands on Tuesday.

The Azzurri had to come from behind to win 2-1 in Estonia, which was Prandelli's first victory since replacing coach Marcello Lippi after the World Cup when the holders were knocked out of the group stages, having drawn with New Zealand.

Italian Football Federation president Giancarlo Abete has, though, called for patience.

"This is a different national team and we have to give Prandelli time to work in peace with the youngsters," Abete said.

"The important thing is that everyone works for the team.

"We knew even before the World Cup that we needed an almost complete renovation (of the team) and we know how difficult it is to get results when you make changes."

Villarreal forward Giuseppe Rossi is a concern, because of an ankle injury, while goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu could get the nod ahead of Bologna's Emiliano Viviano.

Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano - who fell out with then Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello while at the Bernabeu - was on target in Tallinn.

However, the 28-year-old maintains he is not leading from the front.

He said: "I am reading the newspapers and they say that I am the leader now, but I think people like Giorgio Chiellini, and especially Daniele De Rossi, are the leaders.

"I changed in Genoa, thanks to my wife and Sampdoria's staff, but should I make another mistake please forgive me."

Faroe Islands coach Brian Kerr, the former Republic of Ireland manager, will have uncapped defender Pol Johannus Justinussen available following suspension.

Tranmere's former Manchester City goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen, Ross County defender Atli Gregersen and Newcastle forward Joan Simun Edmundsson are also in the squad.

Serbia beat Faroe Islands 3-0 on Friday, and will be confident of another victory when they entertain Slovenia in Belgrade - the first meeting of the teams as independent nations.

Midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic, however, maintains Serbia cannot afford to drop any points at home if they intend to make the finals in Poland and Ukraine.

"There are no easy games, but on our own turf we need to beat every opposition," the Stuttgart player told Serbian newspaper Blic.

"The fans' support can play a key role, we need to give our people a fine performance and a win."

Slovenia were in England's group for the World Cup finals, but failed to get through to the knockout stages.

Northern Ireland beat them 1-0 on Friday, but Kuzmanovic insists they must not be underestimated.

"Slovenia have a good team and we could all see it at the World Cup. They have played together for a long time, and they possess quality," he said.

"Our job is to play as best as we can, and as for myself, I am absolutely ready for the game."