Italy v Costa Rica Betting Tips and Predictions

Italy can secure their place in the last sixteen of the World Cup on Friday and we have Free World Cup 2014 betting tips.

The second round of Group D matches pairs together the two winners of the first round games, Italy and Costa Rica. Italy won their first game 2-1 in the sheer heat of Manaus against England and Costa Rica pulled one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far with a deserved 3-1 victory of Uruguay.

The Italians dominated the game against England, with the mercurial Andrea Pirlo showing once again why he is a pass master. Pirlo’s vision for a pass opened the England team on numerous occasions. The Italians had a 93% passing accuracy in the game, the record for any match played. Italy has numbers in Midfield which could be vital to open up the Costa Rican defence with the runs of Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Candreva vital in stretching the defence and getting in behind to supply Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli will be pivotal against Costa Rica and will look to torment the defence using both his power and pace. Another key factor for Italy will be whether their inspirational captain Gigi Buffon will return from the ankle injury that kept him out of the England game. Although there will be come problems for Italy to contend with. The Italians looked susceptible defensively and Costa Rica will look to exploit this through the pace of Joel Campbell on the counter attack.

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Campbell caused huge problems for the Uruguayan defence, with Lugano and Godin struggling to deal with him. Aerially, Costa Rica troubled Uruguay, however with the Italians being renowned for their defensive prowess with the likes of Chiellini and Barzagli using their years of experience to deal with the threat.

Costa Rica proved they can cause an upset in the World Cup with their result over Uruguay. Many people thought they would be the whipping boys of the group; however they have a better chance of qualifying for the second round, although both Italy and England will be tough games for them to contend with.

Defensively, Costa Rica play five at the back and look to make it difficult for the opposition to break them down. This proved the catalyst for victory against Uruguay which enabled them to break with pace. If they can use this pace against the Italians then they could enjoy some success.

Italy are overwhelming favourites for the game and to win the group. If they can break down the rearguard of the Cost Rican defence then they will enjoy success as Costa Rica will have to come out and attack allowing Italy to carve open the defence. The Italians should win this game by a few goals and book their place in the second round.

Italy v Costa Rica Betting Tips

Italy to Win -1 Handicap – Bet Here at 8/5 with William Hill

Over 2.5 Goals – Bet Here at Evens with William Hill

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