MX23RW : Friday, December 20 07:27:22| >> :600:139393:139393:

Preview: Group C - Italy vs. Croatia

Preview: Group C - Italy vs. Croatia
© PA Photos
Italy and Croatia face a tough battle in the second round of Group C clashes as the two sides prepare go head to head tomorrow.

Italy's bout against Croatia kicks off the second round of Group C matches tomorrow with both sides on the front foot following their respective results against Spain and the Republic of Ireland.

The Italians currently sit second in the group due to their impressive display against the tournament holders, which earned them a point in a 1-1 draw.

Despite Cesare Prandelli's side's positive start, it is Croatia who currently top the group following their 3-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland.

Italy are expected to field a similar side that took on Spain, however one notable change could be the replacement of Manchester City frontman Mario Balotelli, who cut a frustrating figure during Sunday's clash.

The 21-year-old is likely to pave way for Antonio Di Natale at the front of the pack alongside Antonio Cassano, while Giorgia Chiellini, Daniele De Rossi and Leonardo Bonucci should line up at the back as normal.

Meanwhile, Croatia coach Slaven Bilic is expected to name the same side that defeated Ireland comfortably at the weekend, with Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Luka Modric controlling the midfield and allowing Everton's Nikica Jelavic and Mario Mandzukic to push up front.

This Group C tie could prove to be a crucial clash for both sides as Croatia try to extend their lead to finish at the top of the group and Italy attempt to edge closer to qualification with a victory.

Current form:

Italy: WWLLLD
Croatia: WDLWDW

Possible starting lineups:

Italy: Buffon; Chiellini, De Rossi, Bonucci; Ciaccherni, Marchisio, Pirlo, Thiago Motta, Maggio; Di Natale, Cassano

Croatia: Pletikosa; Strinic, Schildenfeld, Corluka, Rakitic; Vukojevic, Modric, Srna, Perisic; Mandzukic, Jelavic

Sports Mole says: 1-2

ID:30720: cacheID:30720:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3201:
Written by
Danielle Joynson

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Christian Maggio
Read Next:
Maggio praises strong start
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Broncos
@
Chargers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!