Wales' hopes of reaching Euro 2004 rose today when it was confirmed that Italy's Francesco Totti will miss the qualifier between the countries in Milan on 6 September.
The Roma striker is out for two weeks after injuring his hip in a friendly against Real Betis yesterday.
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoniwas ready to select Totti in a three-man attack, along with Alessandro Del Piero and Christian Vieri, for the game. Italy used that line-up in their 1-0 win over Germany in Stuttgart last week.
Next month's match is crucial as Group Nine leaders Wales are just two points ahead of Italy.