Slovakia v Italy Live

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World champions Italy could be staring at an early exit from the World Cup unless they beat Slovakia in their final Group F fixture at the Ellis Park Stadium on Thursday. Sign up today with Ole Ole Football and see Slovakia vs Italy live on your computer.

The Azzurri could only draw 1-1 with minnows New Zealand in their last game. The result left them with two points from as many fixtures and they need to beat Slovakia in order to confirm qualification for the next phase. If Paraguay beat New Zealand in the other fixture, Italy will have to make do with a second placed finish in Group F, meaning that they’ll probably be up against in form Netherlands in the Round of 16.

Against New Zealand, Italy fell behind to a set piece for the second game in succession. However they managed to equalise from the spot through Vincenzo Iaquinta after Tommy Smith was penalised for fouling Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi in the box. Riccardo Montolivo and Mauro Camoranesi both went close with their efforts, but New Zealand held on for a famous point.

Slovakia were poor against Paraguay and failed to muster up any attack of note. The defeat left them rooted to the bottom of the table and leaves them in a must win scenario against the defending champions on Thursday. Slovakia have one point from two fixtures- they need to beat Italy and hope that New Zealand do not upset Paraguay in the other fixture.

The only previous meeting between Italy and Slovakia took place twelve years ago. Italy were 3-0 victors on that occasion. Midfield playmaker Andrea Pirlo, whose services were badly missed by the Azzurri against both New Zealand and Paraguay, is likely to start against Slovakia after recovering from his calf strain. However goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is unlikely to take part in this fixture, which means that Federico Marchetti is likely to continue deputising for him between the sticks.

Will the Azzurri be able to make it to the last sixteen of the World Cup? See Slovakia vs Italy live online and find out.