Tuesday 24/06/2014, 18:00, World Cup Group D, Italy vs Uruguay

Italy vs Uruguay Betting Preview

Depending on what happens in the first two games of group D, this match can be the highlight of this stage or a charade. Basically, the two teams will be either competing for the second place or will be contemplating the possibility of drawing, so that both qualify. The reason for why a tacit agreement shouldn't be overestimated is that nobody can afford to finish second in a group where the runner-up will be playing against Colombia.

Italy vs Uruguay Betting Odds

At Bet365

Italy 2.60, Draw 3.20, Uruguay 2.75

Italy vs Uruguay Betting Tips

The Italians used to be a constant favorite for lifting the trophy, but over the last couple of years they fell out of grace. The deep run in the European championship definitely helped their cause, but at the World Cup, they need all their young strikers to meet the increasingly high expectations.

At least on paper, Italy has a formidable offense with Destro, Balotelli and Cassano, not to mention three more strikers that are younger than 24 years old. The paradox of choice can become self-evident against tough opponents such as Uruguay, not to mention that Prandelli will be hard pressed to consider Insigne and Immobile after their dazzling performance against Fluminense, just a few days before kickoff.

On the other hand, we have a team that grew a lot over the last couple of years and they now have one of the best offensive lineups in South America. Forlan is immensely experienced and he can still play his cards right despite being rather old, while Suarez and Cavani are great at penetrating precise defenses.

Theoretically, Italy is a great defensive team but a quick glance at their backline will reveal the fact that most of the players here are rapidly aging. Under the hot Brazilian sun it is hard to believe that the Europeans will find the resources to block all shots sent on goal by Uruguay. A more reasonable approach is for them to play offensive football and hope that the South Americans will commit defensive errors.

Key Facts

• Italy kept a clean sheet in just one match over the last nine months, a game played against the Republic of Ireland
• In the Confederations Cup, the match between Italy and Uruguay ended undecided, with each team scoring twice

Italy vs Uruguay Betting Odds Prediction

This match can go either way and unless a point would benefit both teams, punters are entitled to expect a scoring festival. Even if both teams have the chance to advance to the next stage by simply drawing, they will be tempted to go for all three points in order to avoid Belgium. The bottom line is that betting on more than 2.5 goals to be scored is a common sense decision priced at even odds by Bet365.

Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.05 with Bet365