Confederations Cup
2013-06-19 - Italy vs Japan
A Sports Betting Pick by DownUnder
Venue: Arena Pernambuco - Recife
Wednesday, June 19th – Kickoff 19:00(LOCAL) 23:00 GMT
Head to Head
Only Previous encounter
Japan 1-1 Italy (friendly, November 2001)
Last 6 games
ITALY WDDWWD
JAPAN LWDLLW
Italy
The result against Mexico on Sunday was huge, and now Italy have the advantage of knowing the result of the Brazil Mexico encounter before they tackle Japan. If Mexico lose, then a win against Japan, puts Italy and Brazil through, with Saturday’s game against Brazil deciding who tops the group.
The Azzurri have only lost one of 23 competitive games under Cesare Prandelli, and I see the record improving with this game
Pirlo at 34 is a revelation not only scoring , but regularly being voted “man of the match” The Azzurri are unbeaten when Pirlo has scored (12 games)but the same applies when Mario Balotelli is on target(7 games).
Expect both men to start in this game.
Japan
After their opening loss to Brazil, points are must in this game for Japan or the last game against Mexico will be academic.
Japan, have claimed that they were a little “jaded” for the Brazil match as they played a WC Qualifier against Iraq in Doha 3 days prior.
According to coach Japanese Zaccheroni, “We are not the team we saw [in Brasilia] - we can do so much better," - and Japan will have to do better, and as the coach honed his skills in Serie A, the probably do have a better handle on what Italy are likely to do than most other teams.
Makoto Hasebe and Keisuke Honda are expected to have recovered from the knocks they picked up last out and should start.
The Betting Verdict
Italy will target this game to win, a draw opens the window a little for Japan, but a win will assure of a place in the semis when the meet Brazil in 3 days time.
Japan can not sit back, they have to attack.
Italy most likely will defend in numbers and counter on the break with Balotelli remaining the lone striker as was the case against Mexico.
So again I’m going for Italy doing the business, and winning by a single goal
The Pick :
Italy 2 - Japan 1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Shrimp on the Barbie (main bet)Take Italy to Win @ 1.87 at BetVictor
and if you after a small salad (small second bet) ...
Go for Italy to win 2-1 at 9.50 at BetVictor
