Photo: Jorge Luis Pinto and Cesare Prandelli (Getty Images)
With England almost out of the World Cup after two consecutive losses, Italy and Costa Rica can book a place in the Round of 16 with victory in this fixture. The defensive rock of Italy will be looking to stop the blistering pace and craft of the Costa Rican attack led by Bryan Ruiz and young Joel Campbell.
Cesare Prandelli may have skipper and number one choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon available after his absence in the opening game against England. He may also be able to call upon left back Mattia De Sciglio who missed the first game due to a calf injury. If the Milan man is available, Prandelli will be able to use the imposing Giorgio Chiellini in his preferred centre back position.
Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi are expected to take their usual place in the middle of the park with Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Candreva providing the attacking threat alongside the unpredictable Mario Balotelli.
Jorge Luis Pinto will most likely field the same team that was victorious against Uruguay with Keylor Navas in goal with Michael Umana and Oscar Duarte leading the charge in defense. Christian Bolanos and Celso Borges will work hard in midfield with skipper Ruiz and the speedy Campbell in attack.
This promises to be an exciting encounter with the pace of Costa Rica upfront against the solid and stubborn defense of the Azzuri. The Italians also have a big threat going forward as Balotelli will look to add to his goal in the first game. Prandelli could also call upon his speedster Alessio Cerci to keep the La Sele defense honest.
Players to Watch:
Costa Rica: Bryan Ruiz, Joel Campbell, Celso Borges
Italy: Andrea Pirlo, Mario Balotelli, Giorgio Chiellini
You must be logged in to post a comment Login