Betting tips for Italy v Uruguay: Predicted line-ups & essential facts and stats
Predicted line-ups:
Italy: Buffon; Bonucci, Chiellini, Barzagli; Darmian, De Sciglio; Pirlo, Verratti; Marchisio; Immobile, Balotelli.
According to latest reports, Cesare Prandellis is expected to start Ciro Immobile and Marco Verratti.
Uruguay: Muslera; Fucile, Gimenez, Godin, Caceres; Arevalo Rios, Gargano, Stuani, Rodriguez; Cavani, Suarez.
Maxi Pereira will be available again following suspension, while both Alvaro Pereira and Diego Lugano are doubts due to injury.
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Betting Tip
Italy and Uruguay will meet on Tuesday in Natal for Group D’s ultimate showdown.
A draw will suffice for Italy to qualify as they have a superior goal difference to Uruguay while La Celeste need to win to reach the knock-out stages.
Following the surprise defeat to Costa Rica in their opening match, Oscar Tabarez’s men came out strong last week when they beat England 2:1, effectively eliminating the Three Lions from the competition. Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, who had been absent during his nation’s first appearance, scored both goals, while Wayne Rooney managed to equalize and temporarily revive the English dream of reaching the Round of 16.
Italy started the competition well, defeating Roy Hodgson’s side 2:1, but similarly to their opponents suffered a surprise loss at the hand of Los Ticos as well, conceding the deciding goal at the end of the first half. The Italians looked far from convincing against Costa Rica, failing to create any notable chances up front.
The Euro 2012 finalists faced Uruguay last year at the Confederations Cup when they managed to bag the win and secure the third spot of the competition.
The two sides could hardly be more different. Uruguay are rapid-paced, lethal on the wings, but vulnerable defensively. The Italians on the other hand are tactical and superb in defence, but lack the pace to create quick counter attacks, which has been the trend in footballing style during this World Cup.
Italy will have the upper hand at the start of the game as they only require a draw to progress, and will likely defend deeply against a Uruguayan attacking formation.
Prediction: Uruguay 1 – Italy 1
Some essential facts and stats to help with online betting on Italy v Uruguay
Italy have lost only three of their 19 World Cup games against South American opposition – round 1 game against Chile in 1962, the 1970 final and the 1978 third place game against Brazil.
Uruguay’s third group game against Italy will be their 50th at the World Cup.
Italy have been caught offside 18 times in their opening two group games; twice as many times as Uruguay (9).
Uruguay have scored three goals from just five shots on target so far.
Luis Suarez has netted five times in his seven World Cup appearances.
Edinson Cavani has played a hand in three of Uruguay’s last five goals at the World Cup (two goals and one assist).
Mario Balotelli (6) and Antonio Candreva (4) have had 50% of Italy’s shots on goal so far (20; excluded blocked).
Daniele De Rossi has attempted 212 passes for Italy so far in the World Cup.