Uruguay U-20 vs Italy U-20
, KO: 22:00 Jun 11, 2023, Estadio Unico Diego Armando Maradona
The trophy is on the line as Uruguay battle Italy in the FIFA U-20 World Cup final on Sunday. Both teams have been the most impressive in the competition but the Italians look slightly more solid and driven by Cesare Casadei, should come out on top here.
Uruguay secured a place in Sunday’s final after claiming a 1-0 victory over surprise package Israel in the semi-finals. They were made to work hard by the debutants with Anderson Duarte’s second half effort proving to be the difference.
It has been a solid World Cup campaign so far for Uruguay, who have lost just once in six matches. Their fine run to the final has been drive by a solid defence that has kept five clean sheets in six fixtures in Argentina.
While Uruguay have been deserving of a place in the final, there is an argument that they have enjoyed an easy ride having faced the likes of Tunisia, Gambia and debutants Israel. The only major test for Marcelo Broli’s side was a group stage clash against former champions England which they lost 3-2.
A 2-1 victory over South Korea was enough for Italy to secure a place in Sunday’s final. They made a fast start and struck early through Cesare Casadei and although the Koreans quickly drew level, Simone Pafundi came off the bench to grab the winner four minutes from time.
Italy are arguably the best side in this year’s competition and like the Uruguayans, have lost just once in six matches. However, their path to the final could be said to have been more difficult having come through the likes of Nigeria and two former champions in Brazil and England.
Driven by the impressive Cesare Casadei, who has seven goals in the competition, Italy have been exciting going forward, scoring at least two goals in all but one fixture in Argentina. However, Carmine Nunziata’s men often struggle to maintain their discipline at the back, failing to keep a single clean sheet in their six matches so far.
How the bookies view it
The bookies are expecting a closely fought encounter with a win for Uruguay priced at 19/10 by Unibet, who is also offering odds of 8/5 for an Italy victory. A draw is set at odds of 11/5 by bet365.
Head to head
There have been two previous matches between Uruguay and Italy at this level with both meetings coming during the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The Uruguayans claimed a 1-0 victory during the group stage while the Italians got their revenge in the third-place match, winning on penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra-time.
Players to watch
While Uruguay have mostly prioritised defensive organisation, they have shown some attacking verve from time to time. Forward Anderson Duarte has three goals in the competition and is priced at 3/1 by bet365 to get on the score sheet on Sunday.
Italy’s Cesare Casadei has been the standout player in the competition and is the hot favourite to be named MVP. The attacking midfielder has seven goals so far in the competition and is priced at 15/8 by bet365 to fund the net once again.
Anything else catch the eye?
Given Italy’s penchant for open and attacking football, there are likely to be goals on Sunday. Both teams could be backed to score at evens with William Hill, over 2.5 goals is valued at 27/20 by 10bet while BetVictor is offering odds of 7/2 on over 3.5 goals.
Italy have a knack for making fast starts and can be tipped to score first on Sunday at 11/10 with Paddy Power.
This match between Uruguay U-20 and Italy U-20 will be played on Jun 11, 2023 and kick off at 22:00. Check below for our tipsters best Uruguay U-20 vs Italy U-20 prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
