Monday, November 14, 2011

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15.11. (Tue) 20:45 Italy - Uruguay

Mario Balotelli - Poland-Italy (Getty Images)
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

ITALY


Buffon
Abate, Ranocchia, Chiellini, Criscito
De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio
Montolivo
Balotelli, Pazzini
URUGUAY
 
Muslera
Caceres, Godin, Lugano, A. Pereira
M. Pereira, Perez, Arevalo, Rodriguez
Fernandez, Cavani
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will be buoyed by his side's performance against Poland on Friday, with Mario Balotelli particularly on form. The Manchester City man is likely to retain his place in attack.

The front remains an area of concern with Antonio Cassano recovering from heart surgery while Giuseppe Rossi is sidelined with a serious knee injury and might miss the Euro 2012 finals altogether. Sebastian Giovinco, meanwhile, was sent home earlier in the week after tests showed he had suffered a muscle strain.

The Azzurri face an opposition bang in form, courtesy of Luis Suarez' fantastic four-goal haul against Chile in World Cup qualifying on Friday night. However, Oscar Tabarez announced that the Liverpool forward's slight muscle strain means that he won't be risked in this encounter. Malaga's Seba Fernandez will take his place in attack.

Tabarez faces injuries to strikers Diego Forlan and Abel Hernandez, but Maxi Pereira will return to the squad after being suspended for the Chile match.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Italy are unbeaten in their last six matches, and did not lose in their successful Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.
  • Mario Balotelli scored once and set up the other goal for Pazzini during the Azzurri's win in Poland on Friday evening.
  • Uruguay, have not lost in their last 12 fixtures, a run which includes their journey to the Copa America title during the summer.
  • Due to Brazil entering the 2014 World Cup as hosts, only nine teams are competing in qualification, which is the reason for Uruguay's free week.
  • Striker Luis Suarez scored four times against Chile in Friday's World Cup qualifier against Chile on Friday.

Prediction
A match with an array of world class attacking talent on either side. Both nations have came off impressive victories and will likely be treating this match as an opportunity to showcase their talents. Expect a free flowing game with a few goals, but in the end a draw looks the most likely result.
Editor's Prediction
Italy 2-2 Uruguay