This game takes place just four days before the Azzurri's latest World Cup qualifying fixture against Liechtenstein, which should be a relatively straightforward task for them to negotiate. Gian Piero Ventura's side currently sit second in a tough group, with table-topping Spain set to advance to Russia automatically as things stand. Italy will therefore be desperate to avoid any slip-ups between now and the end of the campaign; if they end up finishing where they are at the time of writing, the four-time world champions will have to contest a potentially tricky two-legged play-off.
Uruguay are in a reasonably strong position in South American qualifying at present: with four fixtures left to fulfil, Oscar Tabarez's charges find themselves in third place in the standings, with five teams qualifying automatically and the sixth-placed side going forward to an intercontinental play-off. There is not a huge margin for error, however, with Ecuador in sixth only three points behind Uruguay after 14 games. The next set of qualification matches do not take place until August, though, so the Uruguayans may lack the same level of sharpness as their upcoming opponents.
Despite their participation in the Champions League final on Saturday, Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Claudio Marchisio have been named in Ventura's squad, although they are unlikely to start this match. Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will probably start between the sticks in place of Buffon, while fellow youngsters Andrea Belotti, Federico Bernardeschi and Alessio Romagnoli will also hope to be involved. Ventura has used 3-5-2, 3-4-3 and 4-4-2 formations in recent encounters and will probably opt for three at the back here.
Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has been left out of Tabarez's group, so Edinson Cavani will lead the line for Uruguay after a fantastic individual season for Paris Saint-Germain at club level. Egidio Arevalo Rios, Maxi Pereira and Alvaro Gonzalez provide further experience in the ranks, while younger players Nahitan Nandez, Diego Laxalt and Gaston Silva will be keen to make an impression against a major footballing nation. Tabarez usually selects a 4-4-2 setup, but he may be tempted to experiment on Wednesday.
Both of these sides have traditionally played reactive football, preferring to set up with a solid defensive shape and attack through quick breaks forward. The fact that this is only a friendly may encourage the two teams to take on a more expansive approach, although it is more likely that Italy will take the initiative and Uruguay sit back and play on the counter-attack. The absence of Suarez robs the South Americans of their most gifted attacker, which is part of the reason why it could be worth backing Italy to win without conceding. If you are feeling extra confident, consider a 2-0 victory for the Azzurri in the correct scoreline market.
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