Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio promised the side that switched off against Haiti in midweek would be totally focused during the Confederations Cup.
The Azzurri slipped to a 2-2 draw against Haiti in a friendly organised to boost earthquake relief on the Caribbean island, sending a jolt of anxiety through the Italy camp ahead of a tough meeting with Mexico.
But Marchisio assured fans his colleagues mean business in a tournament typically treated like a dress rehearsal for the World Cup finals.
He told figc.it: "I believe you will see a different Italy on Sunday.
"Everybody thinks the Confederations Cup is just a warm-up tournament and that's partly true, but you have to remember that not everybody will get to play (in the World Cup).
"That's why we want to have a good tournament here. There are always doubts about the national side and unfortunately we let ourselves down in the final six minutes against Haiti and conceded two goals.
"But I'm sure that will act as a motivating factor on the pitch on Sunday and we will see a different team out there."
Italy are struggling for numbers in attack at the Maracana, with Mario Balotelli joining fellow AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy on the sidelines with a muscle injury.
Mexico have also struggled through recent games, drawing eight of their last nine internationals and scoring just once in their last four qualifying matches to sit a worrying third in the CONCACAF standings.
El Tricolor coach Jose Manuel de la Torre is likely to use Giovani dos Santos, Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez as a three-pronged attack against an Italian defence that has proved to be vulnerable.
The Uruguayan striker's future is already one of the sagas of the summer, with the controversial 26-year-old having made a number of statements about where he sees his career going.
Currently midway through another lengthy ban - this one for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic - Suarez has spoken openly about his desire to sign for Real Madrid.
He has cited press victimisation as one of the factors behind his thinking and appears keen to move, and added further to that once more.
Speaking to Marca he said: "First I have a contract with the club, but if one day I want to sign (for another club), Liverpool will hear the offer, as it does with other players.
"They must agree with other teams, but the word of the player, in this case mine, is important. If you need a change, you should listen to the player.
"Every player aspires (to be the best) and if you ask a child of eight years they would say one day they would go to Real Madrid or Barcelona."
Suarez has been a divisive figure during his time at Liverpool, with misdemeanors ranging from his racial abuse of Manchester United's Patric Evra, to a perennial debate about diving and finally his biting of Ivanovic.
Liverpool's fans have stuck by him throughout, recognising his brilliance as a player, and he admits that he will always appreciate their support.
"The love I have for Liverpool I will never forget," he added. "I love the city, the club and the people and everyone is welcome. All I ask is for respect for all the things that have been said."
Suarez has also conceded that some of his critics may be right in condemning his on-field theatrics.
"There are moments of importance (in games) and I have lived football in a very particular way since childhood," he said. "But I know I can play tricks.
"Sometimes I protest too much to the referee. I have to take it a bit better."
