Italy vs Uruguay

June 6, 2017
By: Milos Markovic

High-profile international friendly is on schedule for Gian Piero Ventura’s in-form Italy, who warm up for World Cup qualifying against injury-depleted Uruguay.

High-flying Italy

Italy’s fortunes have turned after the frustrating Euro 2016 campaign which ended in quarterfinals. Germany put an end to Italy’s European dreams with a heart-crushing win on penalties as Antonio Conte’s reign ended in disappointing fashion. The Azzurri appointed seasoned tactician Gian Piero Ventura who faced plenty of criticism in his first days of work back with Italy, but still managed to turn things around and guide Italy back to winning ways. The Azzurri kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign on the high and are currently sitting in second in Group C, behind leaders Spain who are topping the group on goal difference. Both sides are unbeaten in five opening matches and will be looking to keep the fine form in order to secure their Russian visas. Italy face Liechtenstein next weekend and are installed as firm favourites to win against the minnows. The Azzurri will not underestimate their opponents and will go through a quality warm up against Uruguay to make sure they are in top shape for the upcoming qualifier.

Gian Piero Ventura served Brazil-born left-back Emerson Palmieri with his first-ever Italy call, whereas AC Milan midfielder Ricardo Montolivo was called back for the first time since his knee injury last year. Mario Balotelli’s fine scoring form for Nice was not enough to convince the Italy boss however.

Uruguay on a downward spiral

Oscar Tabarez’s men are coming off from a disappointing run which saw them lose their last four matches in all competition. It was Republic of Ireland who inflicted the last blow to Uruguay in Sunday’s 3-1 international friendly win. Without Barcelona star forward Luis Suarez and PSG striker Edinson Cavani only lasting 11 minutes, Tabarez’s charges were unable to mount a more serious challenge against motivated Irishmen. La Celecte face another huge challenge to put an end to a losing run as they prepare to face in-form Italy without two key men. Out of source Uruguay will still look to surprise their rivals and grab a much-needed win ahead of the silent summer. Uruguay continue their World Cup qualifying on the last day of August against Argentina and a possible win over Italy would be a huge morale boost for Tabarez’s charges ahead of the summer break. Uruguay started their World Cup qualifying campaign on the high, but their most recent defeats saw them drop to third place in the South American group behind Colombia and already qualified Brazil.

Luis Suarez has picked up an injury in Barcelona training, whereas Paris saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani has today been confirmed unavailable due to a hamstring injury.

Verdict

Italy are once again a force to be reckoned with and Gian Piero Ventura should be complimented for consolidating the Azzurri lines over the past couple of months. His in-form side are prepared to add insult to Uruguay’s injury and we don’t see La Celecte as capable of getting anything out of the forthcoming clash.

Top pick: Italy    2.20 (6/5) @WilliamHill

Alternative pick 1: Italy to win to Nil    3.50 (5/2) @PaddyPower

Alternative pick 2: Both teams to score – no    1.92 (37/40) @BetVictor

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