Italy will be looking to secure the first place in the standings when they host second-placed Bulgaria at Stadio Renzo Barbera, but this will be anything but a walk in the park for the hosts.

Luboslav Penev’s side have yet to lose a game in the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign and they will fancy their chances against weakened Azzurri.

After impressing at the Euro 2012, where they finished as runners up, Italy’s displays in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers were not that convincing, but once again, the team eased off to a first place in the group.

The Azzurri’s huge experienced prevailed even when they were well below par, which is the main reason why they are four points clear at the top with four games to go.

Some more outstanding showings at the 2013 Confederations Cup could be just the boost Cesare Prandelli’s side need ahead of the all-important clash with Bulgaria that could see them virtually secure automatic qualification.

Even if there will be some important players missing, Italy are rightly considered 1.40 (2/5) favourites for the win at Coral.

In the absence of Mario Balotelli and Pablo Osvaldo, Alberto Gilardino will lead the line, and he is 2.20 (6/5) with bet365 to score at any time.

The two forwards, however, miss out through suspension, just like Riccardo Montolivo, whereas Andrea Barzagli is out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-2-1): Buffon – Abate, Bonucci, Chiellini, Antonelli – De Rossi, Pirlo, Motta – Candreva, Giaccherini – Gilardino.

Having largely struggled in the past, Bulgaria have shown a massive improvement under Luboslav Penev and the mere fact they are in a good position to make it to the 2014 World Cup speaks volumes about team’s recent performances.

The Lions kicked off the qualifying campaign with a 2-2 home draw against Italy, where they managed to completely outplay their more illustrious opponents.

While defeating minnows Armenia and Malta, Bulgaria shared spoils with Denmark (twice) and Czech Republic (away) to climb to the second place in Group B.

With four games to go, Luboslav Penev’s side sit four points behind leaders Italy, but one point in front of third-placed Czech Republic, who they are set to host in final group game.

Considering the circumstances, Bulgaria look a great bet to finish in top 2, at odds of 2.50 (3/2) offered at Unibet.

First choice keeper Nikolay Mihaylov looks set to miss out through injury, while defender Nikolay Bodurov could be dropped due to poor form and midfielder Georgi Milanov is suspended.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): V. Stoyanov – Y. Minev, Ivanov, A. Aleksandrov, V. Minev – Dyakov, Zlatinski, Gadzhev – Manolev, Popov, Tonev.

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