In a Rugby World Cup group containing three-time champion New Zealand and two-time winner South Africa, the realistic option for Italy is third place.
A win for Conor O’Shea’s side over Canada on Thursday at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium would go some way to securing that, given the Italians beat Namibia 47-22 last Sunday.
O'Shea has revamped his team for the Pool B game, making 10 changes to the side that ran out over the weekend, with Dean Budd deputising for captain Sergio Parisse after the decision was made to give him a rest.
Fly-half Tommaso Allan and hooker Luca Bigi will start back-to-back games within five days in the same positions, while Jayden Hayward will switch from full-back to make his first start in the midfield for Italy.
Canada's players have waited a long time for their first World Cup match — which comes six days after the tournament started.
How can I live stream the match?
The game will be available to stream via the ITV Hub on your smartphone, desktop or tablet.
ITV4 will also be broadcasting the match on terrestrial TV.
When is it?
Italy vs Canada takes place on Thursday 26 September at the Level5 Stadium in Fukuoka.
What time does it start?
The match kicks off at 4.45pm Japan Standard Time, which is 8.45am BST.
Teams
Italy: Matteo Minozzi, Tommaso Benvenuti, Michele Campagnaro, Jayden Hayward, Giulio Bisegni, Tommaso Allan, Callum Braley; Braam Steyn, Jake Polledri, Sebastian Negri, Dean Budd (captain), David Sisi, Simone Ferrari, Luca Bigi, Andrea Lovotti.
Canada: Patrick Parfrey, Jeff Hassler, Ben Lesage, Nick Blevins, DTH Van Der Merwe, Peter Nelson, Gordon McRorie; Tyler Ardron (capt.), Lucas Rumball, Michael Sheppard, Josh Larsen, Conor Keys, Matt Tierney, Eric Howard, Hubert Buydens.
Odds
Italy to win: 1/20
Canada to win: 8/1
Draw: 40/1
