Group D kicks off this Saturday with Uruguay versus Costa Rica being followed at 11pm by a huge clash between Italy and England. Both sides qualified by topping their group, Italy progressed in front of Denmark, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia and Malta while England got past Ukraine, Montenegro, Poland, Moldova and San Marino. I am very much expecting this to be the sort of cagey affair which saw the two sides play out a 0-0 during 90 minutes when they met at Euro 2012 when Italy went on to win on penalties. Neither side are going to want to lose this and would rather take a draw than risk a victory.
The atmosphere is hardly optimistic in England, going into this World Cup. Expectations are low and Roy Hodgson would certainly take a draw going into arguably the toughest fixture in Group D. Many forget that this England side sailed through qualifying without defeat, winning six and drawing four, and conceded just four goals, which is a fantastic record. The six clean sheets show that a Hodgson side will be well organised and tough to break down which is how i expect them to set up against the dangerous Azzuri's. Top goal scorer during the qualifiers was Wayne Rooney with seven goals, and with the Manchester United striker struggling for fitness, it is going to tricky for the three lions to find the net.
Italy go into the tie as favourites and will be looking to rely on experience to see them through against England. Cesare Prandelli will be relying on the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Gianluigi Buffon and Daniel De Rossi in the spine of the team.
In recent friendlies Mario Balotelli has failed to deliver in a side that relies on him up front- against Luxembourg I have seen statues with more involvement. You have to go back six games to when Italy played Armenia to find the last time the former Manchester City striker scored. Never rule the eccentric striker out of a goal but I believe either side will be fortunate to find the net HERE.
Verdict: First half DRAW
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