Uruguay v Italy: Porous Azzuri in for a long night

A backline prone to shipping goals isn’t a typically Italian characteristic, but it’s been a staple pretty much throughout the Confederations Cup.

The only time the Azzuri looked their old, frugal selves was when they managed to shut out World and European champions Spain in the semi final before crashing out on penalties.

However, against a Uruguayan side with one of the most lethal three-pronged attacks in world football, their new-found generosity is likely to be taken full advantage of.

Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan will give the Italian defenders all kinds of headaches in this one and it makes backing a win for their side combined with over 2.5 goals registered at 3/1 an excellent prospect for profit.

This trio gave Brazil plenty to think about in the semi final and could consider themselves unfortunate to have been ousted by the hosts. Consider this in relation to the seven goals that Italy gave up against the same opposition and Japan and the potential for Uruguay comfortably claiming Confederations bronze increases somewhat.

Aside from a clash with San Marino and two against Malta, negated by the ineptness of the opposition, Italy’s clean sheet against the Spanish was the only one they’ve managed this season, while it also represented the only game in which they’ve failed to find the back of the net in the same spell too.

These facts further bolster belief that the goal line will cross the 2.5 mark with ease, but it also lends favour to the 3/5 offering for both teams to score. Uruguay have bagged in 10 of their previous 11 outings themselves so be surprised if goals aren’t on the menu here.

As far as the match betting goes, 6/4 for the South Americans to win looks appetising enough, while Italy are available at 17/10, with the draw on offer at 12/5.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date