Italy Vs. Uruguay Betting Odds And Prediction: Which Former Champion Will Advance? [Poll]

Italy and Uruguay collide on Tuesday in an elimination match that projects to be one of the best of the tournament. The winner of the match will be headed on to the knockout stage this weekend, while the loser, will get a one ticket home. Italy owns the tiebreaker should the two teams come to a draw.

This will be third match up between the two former Champions at the World Cup. Italy won both matchups while keeping Uruguay scoreless in each.

Italy’s Marco Verratti who missed the match against Costa Rica will be back for the Azzurri and is crucial in controlling the midfield with Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo is the most dangerous player on the pitch, and is the engine that drives this Italian sports car. When Pirlo is controlling possession for the Italians, he is able to dictate tempo and pace in the match. If Uruguay can’t keep him contained, he will make the Uruguayans life miserable.

Mario Balotelli will be the man on offense to watch for Italy has he looks to bounce back from an overall frustrating day against the Ticos last Thursday. If Balotelli and his Italian teammates can actually stay onside this match, I believe “Super Mario” will score a game changing goal.

Italy will focus all their attention on Uruguay striker Luis Suarez; however, in the last meeting between these two teams at the semifinals of the Confederations Cup, Italy implemented a similar strategy of shutting down Suarez. Despite winning that match on penalty kicks, Italy was beaten twice by Edinson Cavani. I believe it is not Suarez that Italy needs to worry about in this match, but Cavani, as he has played a hand in three of Uruguay’s last five goals.

Uruguay is strong in the middle and on the wings offensively, but weak at the centre-back position. They like to spread teams out wide with Cavani and Suarez, but Italy will be cognizant of this and force them to the middle.

The match will be decided by the ruthless offensive attack of Suarez and Cavani pitted against the suffocating defensive style of the Azzurri. Italy is playing on one day fewer rest than Uruguay and has struggled with the heat and humidity in Brazil. Both factors could play a part in the match. Expect intense pressure, tension and desperation by both teams. Italy only needs a draw to advance so expect them to sit back and focus on stopping La Celeste’s offensive attack while waiting for moments to counter and get the ball to Balotelli. Uruguay needs to play flawless to win, while Italy just needs to keep Uruguay from scoring. I predict a rough match that produces very few scoring opportunities for both teams. The later the game goes and Uruguay hasn’t scored, the more men they will bring forward opening up space for the Azzurri in the counter attack.

My Prediction: It won’t go scoreless, but since a draw is all the Italians need, it is what they get 1-1 Draw. Italy advances on point differential.

Betting odds courtesy of Bovada.lv:

Italy: Pick Em’ (-115) // +155 Moneyline
Uruguay: Pick Em’ (-105) // +170 Moneyline
Draw +250