PREVIEW-Soccer-Italy's Gilardino ready to usurp Toni for good

By Mark Meadows

MILAN, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Alberto Gilardino can take over from struggling Luca Toni as Italy's main striker if he impresses in Wednesday's World Cup qualifying Group Eight game at home to Montenegro (1850 GMT).

Toni, 31, is suspended for the match in Lecce having picked up a booking as a substitute in Saturday's 0-0 draw in Bulgaria.

The Bayern Munich forward, a huge flop during Italy's disappointing Euro 2008 campaign, was again lacklustre after coming on for the lively Gilardino in the second half.

Gilardino, not even in Roberto Donadoni's Euro 2008 squad, has been reinvigorated now he is playing regular football at Fiorentina having been a bit-part player at AC Milan last term.

The 26-year-old has netted four times in Serie A this season but it was still a slight surprise when coach Marcello Lippi, who had Gilardino in his 2006 World Cup-winning squad, included him ahead of Toni on Saturday.

"I'm sorry for Luca but if Lippi keeps me in the lineup in Lecce, I am ready. I have saved up a goal for Montenegro," Gilardino said after coming the closest to scoring in Sofia.

Fabio Quagliarella has replaced Toni in the squad, meaning the group leaders now boast three Udinese forwards.