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In the fourth fixture of Group D, Italy take on Costa Rica as the ‘Group of Death’ begins to take shape. In what was termed as a battle between the European giants Italy and England and South American contenders Uruguay, minnows Costa Rica turned the odds after securing 3 valuable points in their first game. It’s a game where both sides will be looking to confirm their progress in Brazil by qualifying for the knockout stages. Both teams come from the back of victories and we can expect an engaging encounter on match day 8.
Venue
Arena Pernambuco, Recife
Situated in the western suburbs of the Recife metropolitan area, Arena Pernambuco will be hosting its second match of the group stage after serving as the venue for Ivory Coast vs Japan. The multi-use stadium which will be the venue for five matches it total harbours a total capacity of 46,160 people. It is home to football club Clube Náutico Capibaribe.
Kickoff
June 20 – 9.30 pm (IST)
June 20 – 1.00 pm (local time)
Possible Starting Lineups
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will be fielding the exact starting XI from England’s win as he will look to confirm his side’s qualification for the knockout phase. Goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu will reaffirm his spot in front of the post as Buffon’s swollen ankle keeps him in the doubtful zone for the clash. Andrea Barzagli has been suffering from a tendinitis problem and Prandelli’s decision to play him will come only after evaluation from training. It will be interesting to see if Andrea Pirlo goes back to his regista role and Marchisio takes his place in attacking midfield.
Italy (4-1-2-1-2): Sirigu; Darmian, Barzagli, Paletta, Chiellini; De Rossi, Verratti, Marchisio; Pirlo, Candreva, Balotelli.
Costa Rica will be up against a European powerhouse, but they are well capable of causing an upset as they have shown against Uruguay. With confidence oozing in their locker room, Jorge Luis Pinto will definitely keep the team momentum going by lining up the same set of players from their first fixture.
Costa Rica (5-4-1): Navas, Gamboa, Duarte, Gonzalez, Umana, Diaz, Ruiz, Tejeda, Borges, Bolanos, Campbell.
Key Facts
- This is Italy and Costa Rica’s first encounter in the World Cup finals ever. Their only meeting was in a friendly back in June 11, 1994 which Italy won 1-0
- Italy’s pass completion of 93% is the highest rate ever recorded in World Cup history.
- Costa Rica have a good record against teams from the UEFA confederation. They have registered on the scoresheet in all of their last 6 World Cup games.
- Italy have scored in their last 15 World Cup games.
- Other than Mexico and the USA, no other CONCACAF team has won two consecutive group matches in the tournament.
- Italy have not won their second group fixture in the last three editions of the World Cup (D2 L1).
Key Battles
Antonio Candreva vs Junior Diaz
Antoni Candreva was the best player for Italy in their opening game against England. The Lazio winger provided the final ball that led to Balotelli’s decisive winning header. Candreva naturally drifts towards the flanks in order to create width and provide crosses. He is also good with both his feet and can dribble into the box from wide positions. Junior Diaz will have his work cut out to contain his opponent on the right flank. It will be interesting to see how the 30-year-old left back will approach Candreva’s threat.
Joel Campbell vs Gabriel Paletta
Gabriel Paletta has shown that he can be nervy when exposed to pacey forwards and Joel Campbell certainly brings that threat for the Parma defender. The Arsenal forward is blessed with considerable pace and agility which can trouble the Italian defence. The star man of the 3-1 victory over Uruguay will have his work cut out as the lone striker of his team and will have to utilise his strengths in an effective manner.
Prediction
Both the teams will be confident of securing their places in the Round of 16, especially Costa Rica who will be hoping to get something out of this game and gain the advantage before facing England in their final fixture of the group stage. Italy are on a different level for sure, but much will depend on how Andrea Pirlo.
Predicted scoreline: Italy 2-0 Costa Rica
Match Officials
Referee: Enrique Osses (CHI)
Assistant Referee 1: Carlos Ostroza (CHI)
Assistant Referee 2: Sergio Roman (CHI)
Fourth official: Alioum (CMR)
