England Vs.Italy Betting Odds And Prediction: Who Will Win The Rumble in the Jungle? [POLL]

The highlight match of day three at the 2014 FIFA World Cup brings us the highly anticipated European clash between England and Italy. These two teams have played each other many times over the years, most recently in 2012 at the EURO Finals where Italy sent England packing.

Mark my words, this match will not disappoint. Since their clash at the EURO Final, England has gotten younger and faster. Italy on the other hand, is still the same old Azzurri. Italy will be led by Andrea Pirlo, but will be in no hurry to push the pace. The Azzurri are notorious for starting slow, not just in the game itself, but often times in the entire tournament. Italy has only won one of its last five major tournament games and I expect them to fully be satisfied with a draw in this match if it comes down to it.

Both teams cannot afford to lose this match. A loss here and it statistically becomes next to impossible to get out of the Group with Uruguay lurking for both teams. With that in mind, and temperatures expected to reach record highs for heat and humidity during the match, I anticipate both teams to be cautious and patient.

England’s assistant coach, Gary Neville hints however, that the Three Lions are fully prepared to push the pace with their young, fast, attack Raheem Sterling, Wayne Rooney, and Steven Gerrard.. Is this bait however to see if Italy falls for the trap? In my preview article for this match, I mentioned how England believes they are both mentally and physically trained and prepared for the match, more so than their Italian opposition. I do find it hard to believe however, that England would be willing to risk their entire World Cup Tournament on this first match.

England may have gotten younger, quicker and more physically fit for the match, but they still have holes in their defense and Coach, Roy Hodgson knows it. I believe the rumored run and gun attack strategy of England is a bluff. Rooney and company will certainly test Buffon and the Azzurri defense, but they will not risk dehydration and future injury on the opening match.

Italy is 9-2 against England in its last 11 matches. They are familiar with this team despite the new names on the back of the jerseys. Italy will play their stereotypical patient and defensive style of play. The heat and humidity will catch up to everyone and I expect a lot of substitutions in the second half. Mario Balotelli is intent to prove himself in this year’s tournament and may have a few chances to find the back of the net. If not, I expect Ciro Immobile to substitute for him later in the match. Look for 20 year old English Forward, Ross Barkley, to come into the game around the 70^th minute mark. His fresh legs could make an impact on the dehydrated bodies left on the pitch.

My Prediction: This game is either going to be won early with a Balotelli goal, or stay 0-0 into the final 10 minutes, a late substitution might be the difference in a 1 nil victory for either side. Ultimately, I believe the game ends in a draw. 0-0.

Betting odds courtesy of Bovada.lv:

England: Pick (-115) +175 Moneyline
Italy: Pick (-105) +185 Moneyline
Draw +200