MILAN (Reuters) - Italy must beat France when the World Cup finalists meet again tomorrow if they are to maintain a strong chance of qualifying for Euro 2008 although Spain are in an even stickier situation.

Spain need to win in Iceland to avoid dropping back in the hunt for the two qualification spots in Group F while the Netherlands face Group G rivals Bulgaria aware that a defeat would nullify their game in hand.

Euro 2004 runners-up Portugal also lie third in Group A and host leaders Poland without main defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Pepe.

Second-placed Italy, who lost 3-1 in Paris in September, are two points behind Group B leaders France and one ahead of Scotland as they struggle to live up to the tag of world champions.

A defeat by France in Milan coupled with a Scotland victory at home to Lithuania would push Roberto Donadoni's side down to third ahead of a trip to fourth-placed Ukraine on Wednesday.

France, who host Scotland on Wednesday, are ready to avenge their World Cup final defeat despite UEFA banning their coach Raymond Domenech from the touchline.

He had accused Italy of bribing the referee of an Under-21 qualifier for the 2000 Olympics between the two countries.

"The Azzurri must absolutely take three points," France midfielder Franck Ribery told a news conference. "For us a point would be good but I assure you we are looking to take six points from these two games."

Italy are without injured defender Marco Materazzi and main striker Luca Toni is also a big doubt with a thigh strain while France hope Patrick Vieira can play after hamstring trouble.

Spain, who only beat Iceland 1-0 at home in March, are third in their group and will hope bottom team Latvia can do them a favour at home to second-placed Northern Ireland and Denmark can manage a result at group leaders Sweden.

Germany visit Wales knowing a win can put them in touching distance of qualification from Group D but the Czech Republic will almost certainly stay on their tail as they travel to San Marino.