Confederations Cup
2013-06-19 - Italy vs Japan
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: FIFA Confederations Cup
Wednesday 19 June 2013 - Kick Off 11pm
This game is live on TV
Preview
Every time I get to watch Italy play these days, the more I realise that they are not the same nation of old that is happy to sit on a lead and a team that would prefer 'to avoid defeat' than to push on and win games. Cesare Prandelli was appointed manager with the aim to change those cultural stereotypes around Italy and he has been successful when you see the product on the pitch.
Despite the late goal, Italy were the deserved winner of the first game with Mexico and that puts them in a decent position in the Group to make it through to the Semi Finals. Mario Balotelli scored the winner with ten minutes left to play, but Italy aren't feel overly confident just yet.
Prandelli has stated that Japan should be the favourites for this game as they have had an extra day of rest, while Alberto Zaccheroni has a very deep knowledge of the Italian game. Italy are also aware that four years ago they won their first game of the Group in the Confederations Cup before losing their next two games and being knocked out before the Semi Finals.
Facing Japan looks a winnable game, but Italy were beaten by Egypt four years ago before losing their final game with Brazil to be knocked out of the competition. Japan lost 3-0 to Brazil in the opening game, but believe they have justified their ability with that performance.
Japan had been coming off an emotional couple of World Cup qualifiers that had seen them book their place in the World Cup next summer. The early goal scored by Brazil was always going to be tough to recover from, but they are expecting a better performance in this one. The side will know exactly what their position is in the Group as the Brazil-Mexico match would have concluded earlier in the evening, but a defeat would almost certainly see Japan returning home.
This is only the second time Japan and Italy will ever meet one another and the first time for 12 years. The first time ended with a 1-1 draw in Japan as they were preparing for their home World Cup.
Prediction
This won't be an easy game for Italy, but they won't want to face the same situation as four years ago where they need to get a result against Brazil to qualify for the Semi Finals.
There is every chance that Brazil win earlier in the day which would put the pressure on Japan to get a result. However, Italy are no longer the side that are happy with draws and I think they can do enough to sneak the win in a tough game.
The Pick :
Italy 2-1 Japan
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Italy @ 1.83 (Paddy Power)
