|
Italy v Australia
The Italians come into the game after topping Group
E with 7 points. De Rossi is serving the second
match of a four-match ban after his sending off
against the USA, while Nesta will sit out the
Kaiserslautern clash with a thigh strain.
Nesta has been struggling with the injury for the
past couple of months and was substituted early in
Italy's 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic.
His replacement in that game, Marco Materazzi, is
likely to take his place.
The Australians come into the game on the back of
taking runners up spot behind Brazil. They will be
without suspended full-back Brett Emerton, while
Zeljko Kalac, who plays his football for AC Milan,
will be replaced by Mark Schwarzer.
The Middlesbrough keeper was left out of the 2-2
draw with Croatia, but after Kalac's poor display
against the Croatians Schwarzer will return.
Scott Chipperfield will make his 50th appearance for
the Socceroos, if he figures against Italy.
The Australians should by no means be
underestimated for this tie. They seem to possess a
never say die attitude which displayed itself
against Croatia, in a game where Harry Kewell
levelled things late on to put them through.
Italy, however, are a different class, they
haven't really impressed as such throughout the
tournament, and are prone to indiscipline. They did
raise their game against the Czech's winning 2-0.
I think Australia are capable of getting a goal
with Viduka and Kewell up front, but with Toni
and the experienc of Inzaghi on the bench, they
should squeeze through, but its going to be tough.
I'm going for a correct score shout
here. Italy to win 2-1 @ 7/1
|