Prediction: Italy vs Uruguay

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: William Hill

A high-profile international friendly between Euro 2012 finalists Italy and 2011 Copa America champions Uruguay takes place at Allianz Riviera in Nice, with both managers looking to experiment before they resume their respective 2018 World Cup qualifying campaigns.

Italy

Following a promising Euro 2016 finals and the departure of Antonio Conte, former Torino boss Giampiero Ventura took over the reigns of the Italy national team and he did pretty well since his side were beaten by France on his debut. The Azzurri went on to take 13 points from first five WC qualifiers, and they now sit level on points with leaders Spain, but it is La Furia Roja that have the superior goal difference (+8). It is for that reason that Ventura is taking the qualifier against Liechtenstein very seriously as a big win is a must if Italy are to stay close to the group leaders. Before the 11 June qualifier, Italy will take on very good Uruguay side that have struggled for form of late and that is not only another chance for the Azzurri to further improve the dressing room atmosphere, but also an opportunity to climb the FIFA rankings by defeating the team that currently occupy 16th position in the standings. Giampiero Ventura has hinted at using 4-2-4 formation against both Uruguay and Liechtenstein, meaning we could see a cracking game of football at Allianz Riviera.

Team News

Marco Verratti and Emerson Palmieri were forced to withdraw, whereas Marco Parolo, Davide Zappacosta, Mattia De Sciglio and Nicola Sansone have been overlooked.

Atalanta hotshot Andrea Conti is widely expected to start, with Lorenzo Pellegrini also expected to be handed his Italy debut.

Uruguay

Uruguay have enjoyed a great deal of success under long-serving coach Oscar Tabarez, claiming the first major title after 16 years as they won the 2011 Copa America trophy. La Celeste recently enjoyed an excellent start to the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, but then suffered three straight defeats to Chile, Brazil and Peru that left them just one point clear of fifth-placed Argentina and three points above sixth Ecuador. Head coach Oscar Tabarez is keen to arrest the latest trend and get his side back on the road to Russia, meaning that next two qualifiers against Argentina (31.08) and Paraguay (05.09.) are very important. Uruguay contested international friendly against Republic of Ireland few days ago, suffering a 3-1 loss, and they will be looking to show some improvement when facing Italy. With several star players missing the June friendlies, this is a very good opportunity for their back-ups to stake their claim for starting berths, but the reality is they have failed to impress at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Team News

Luis Suarez, Abel Hernandez, Diego Godin, Alvaro Pereira and Giorgian De Arrascaeta are all unavailable for selection.

PSG striker Edinson Cavani was allowed to leave the camp after suffering a thigh problem, but Fernando Muslera has joined the squad after the season in Turkish Super Lig came to an end.

Key Factors to Consider

• Italy to line up in 4-2-4 formation
• Uruguay missing a host of star players
• La Celeste won two of last four meetings with Italy (D1 L1)
• Both teams scored in Uruguay’s last six fixtures
• La Celeste lost four straight games on all fronts

Conclusion

Italy will be nearly at full strength and will take the game very seriously as they prepare for the Lichtenstein qualifier, whereas Uruguay will struggle to compensate for the loss of Suarez, Godin, Cavani and few more first team regulars. While we expect to see an entertaining encounter, the Azzurri are likely to emerge victorious in the end.

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: William Hill