Balotelli Italy Abate
Italy players celebrate a goal against Germany in their international friendly, November 15Reuters

After playing out a draw with fellow World Cup hopefuls Germany at the San Siro, Italy will look to flex their muscles against Nigeria, buoyant from qualifying for the showpiece tournament in Brazil a few days ago.

Italy are seen as one of the few teams from Europe capable of lifting the World Cup in Brazil next summer, and Cesare Prandelli will want to use the remaining few friendly internationals to experiment as much as possible and find the right blend of experience and youth.

Prandelli was reasonably happy with the performance against Germany, a game which ended 1-1, but wants his side to tighten up in defence.

"In my view we played a good game," Prandelli told Rai Sport. "We suffered a little with their passing, as they played without strikers so it was tough at the start to figure out how to approach them.

"It was a corner [Germany's goal] and clearly we have to improve a lot, especially on set plays.

"Germany are one of the strongest sides in the world. If we think that we're the best and can dominate Germany, then we're wrong."

The friendly against Nigeria, fresh from qualifying for the World Cup after dispatching Ethiopia over two legs, will take place in London at Fulham's home ground Craven Cottage.

It sees the return of former Manchester City man Mario Balotelli to England, and the Italy striker will be hoping his boots do the talking on Monday night.

Nigeria are flying high after securing their place in Brazil with a 4-1 aggregate win over Ethiopia and will see this friendly as a great opportunity to test themselves against strong opposition.

The Super Eagles skipper Victor Enyeama believes Nigeria are not just capable of causing an upset or two in the World Cup, but going all the way to win it.

"[Are we going] to make an impression at the World Cup? No, we can actually win it," the goalkeeper told BBC Sport. "I wouldn't be surprised if Nigeria win the World Cup one day -- maybe with me. It's just a matter of time and moment. Everything is possible. Impossible is nothing.

"I believe in God, I believe in the Bible, which says he chooses who he chooses. What if he [God] chooses Nigeria. I don't believe in statistics and you can never rule us out."

Team News: Italy will be without Andrea Barzagli after the Juventus defender was ruled out with a muscle strain. Angelo Ogbonna replaces Barzagli in the Italy squad.

For Nigeria, Obinna Nsofor misses out after suffering a knock in the win over Ethiopia.

Where to watch

The game is scheduled for a 7.45 pm GMT start (1.15 am IST) start with no live coverage in India. To catch the action live online through Bein Sport in the U.S. click HERE. To watch it live online via Al Jazeera Sport in the Middle East and North Africa, click HERE.