World Cup: Italy vs Uruguay preview

Both sides were stunned by Costa Rica in this group and also both defeated England, so their direct clash in Natal on Tuesday will decide which of the two sides will advance to the last sixteen. Italy have a slight advantage due to their better goal difference, they can go through in case of a draw as well. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli could bring Marco Verratti back into the starting line up after having left him out of the clash with Costa Rica, while Ciro Immobile could be given a starting place up front. Uruguay will have Maximiliano Pereira available again after suspension but Alvaro Pereira could be left out because of a concussion. Captain Diego Lugano is also in doubt due to a knee injury. There have been eight previous matches between these two sides, with Italy winning 3 and Uruguay 2. The most recent clash was last year at the Confederations Cup, it ended in a 2-2 draw and Italy won 3-2 on penalties. Probable starting line-ups: Italy: Buffon - Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, Darmian - De Rossi, Pirlo, Verratti, Marchisio, Candreva - Balotelli Uruguay: Muslera - A Pereira, Gimenez, Godin, Caceres - M Pereira, Gargano, Rodriguez, Arevalo - Suarez, Cavani My prediction: Uruguay to win 1-0. Here are the odds for the match at Bet365: Italy win - 9/5 Draw - 23/10 Uruguay win - 7/4