Italy will be looking to go into the top of Group D when they meet Costa Rica in the second round of Group matches at the FIFA World Cup 2014. The match will be held at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife.
The Italians will be in a good frame of mind going into the game after having beaten an extremely lively England team 2-1 despite creating lesser than their opponents. Cesare Prandelli’s side had a poor record going into the tournament considering the manner in which they failed to capitalize on their friendly games.
Italy were exceptionally intelligent against the Three Lions in their group opener. While England went at them hammer and tongs from the very outset, the Italians had more of the ball than their opponents and moved it around in a far more effective fashion as well. The Italians knew when to relax with the ball at their feet and made secure passes in the scorching heat at Manaus.
Their goals against England came from an intelligent set play routine. Andrea Pirlo dummied with great effect as Claudio Marchisio scored a gem of a goal to put the Italians ahead. In the second half, Mario Balotelli showed great application and determination to score the decisive goal of the game after Daniel Sturridge had levelled for England.
With a midfield that boasts the likes of Pirlo, Marchisio, Daniele De Rossi and Marco Verratti in the lineup, the Italians should be able to keep the ball much more proficiently against Costa Rica. Provided they do keep the ball, Italy are almost sure to create a lot of openings. With Balotelli up top and Ciro Immobile on the bench, the Azzuris can be expected to be a major threat for Costa Rica.
Costa Rica will be looking to prove that their 3-1 win over Uruguay was not a fluke. The Costa Ricans simply came out of nowhere to humiliate the two time world champions in what easily qualifies as one of the biggest upsets in World Cup finals history.
They will know full well that what lies between them and qualification into the next round are the Italians. One can expect Brian Ruiz and company to put up a show for fans as the Italian defence is not what it used to be once.
There will be plenty of chances for the likes of Ruiz, Marco Urena, and Joel Campbell to make the Italians pay. With the start that they have had under coach Jorge Pinto Luis, the possibility of yet another upset could not be discounted.