Italy will look to establish a stranglehold on Group B of the UEFA World Cup 2014 Qualifiers when it takes on the Czech Republic on Friday.
The Italians currently sit atop the group with 13 points in five games; the team has won four and drawn once. That first draw came in the team's first match against Bulgaria. In that game, Italy blew a 2-1 lead and settled for a 2-2 final. Since then the team has been dominant. The Azzurri defeated Malta 2-0 on September 11, 2012. A month later, the team took down Armenia 3-1; they also dispatched Denmark by the same score. In its most recent game, Italy defeated Malta 2-0 with a brace from Mario Balotelli. Balotelli and Pablo Osvaldo lead the team with three goals each.
The Czech Republic is attempting to keep its qualification hopes alive. The team has only qualified once since 1998. Heading into Friday's game, the Czech Republic only has eight points. The team opened the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Denmark, but defeated Malta 3-1 in its second game. A 0-0 draw with Bulgaria was followed by a difficult 3-0 loss against Denmark. The team bounced back with a 3-0 win in its latest effort against Armenia. Matej Vydra leads the team with two goals scored in the tournament.
The winner of the group earns an automatic berth to the World Cup finals next summer. The group runner-up moves on to a two -legged playoff against another runner-up. The winner of that matchup heads to Brazil next year.
Prediction: The Czech Republic is desperate to earn points and will be aggressive. However, the Italians are too strong and will manage a 2-0 victory.
Start Time: 2:45 PM EST
TV: ESPN
Watch Live Stream on ESPN3 by clicking HERE.
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