Gold Cup winners Mexico arrive in Brazil looking for a much needed pick-me-up following two goalless draws in the World Cup qualifiers.

Euro 2012 finalists Italy also go into the match on the back of two successive stalemates, with the one against Haiti giving them plenty of headaches.

Mexico have been on a major uptrend over the last few years, with plenty of fresh talent coming through the ranks every season.

After being eliminated in the last 16 stage at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Mexico proved their worth by lifting the CONCACAF Gold Cup, but their biggest success was yet to come.

El Tri managed to win the football tournament at the 2012 Summer Olympics by beating mighty Brazil in the final, thus hinting the future is bright for the national team.

Mexico in turn enjoyed a very good start to the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, but then suffered a major dip in form, recording five draws in next six fixtures.

Having shared spoils with Panama and Costa Rica, el Tri might find it hard to defeat very good Italy side, but seeing as how they kept nine clean sheets in last ten competitive outings, there may be some value in backing Mexico not to concede at odds of 3.30 (23/10) offered at Coral.

With no fresh injury worries to report, under-pressure boss Juan Manuel de la Torre is likely to field the same side that started the Costa Rica game.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Corona – Flores, Rodriguez, Moreno, Salcido – Barrera, Zavala, Herrera, Guardado – De Nigris, Hernandez.

At the first tournament where not much was expected of them, Italy largely impressed to reach the final at Euro 2012, although they were somewhat unfortunate to be hammered 4-0 by Spain.

The team, nonetheless, earned a lot of praise for their positive style of play and some very good attacking showings, but they have since struggled to return to the right track.

Having been placed in a pretty easy World Cup qualifying group, the Azzurri quickly climbed to the first place in spite of some under-par showings, while they were pretty disappointing in international friendlies.

Italy were defeated by both England and France, while sharing spoils with Brazil and Netherlands, but it was the 2-2 draw against Haiti that acted as a serious blow to team’s Confederations Cup preparations.

However, with a number of regular starters set to be recalled for the Mexico game, the Azzurri are 2.30 (13/10) favourites with William Hill to win their opening game.

The good news is that Stephan El Shaarawy has resumed full training, but Mario Balotelli is likely to miss out after picking up a thigh injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Buffon – Abate, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini – De Rossi, Pirlo, Montolivo – Marchisio – Giovinco, El Shaarawy.

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