As expected, Mario Balotelli and Ciro Immobile start up front for Italy against Uruguay in what should be a 3-5-2 formation.

Azzurri Coach Cesare Prandelli has also named Juventus trio Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini as his three man backline.

Matteo Darmian and Mattia De Sciglio should operate as wing-backs, with Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti lining up in a three-man central midfield.

As expected, Mario Balotelli and Ciro Immobile start up front for Italy against Uruguay in what should be a 3-5-2 formation.

Azzurri Coach Cesare Prandelli has also named Juventus trio Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini as his three man backline.

Matteo Darmian and Mattia De Sciglio should operate as wing-backs, with Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti lining up in a three-man central midfield.

Italy know that either a win or a draw will be enough to ensure their safe passage to the Last 16 of the competition.

Uruguay meanwhile name an unchanged line-up from the team that beat England last Thursday. That means Luis Suarez once more starts alongside Edinson Cavani up front for Oscar Tabarez’s team.

Juventus’ Martin Carcares starts at right-back, while ex-Lazio player Fernando Muslera is in goal.

Today’s referee in Natal is Marco Rodriguez of Mexico, Kick-off is at 17.00 BST.

Official Line-ups

Italy:Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Darmian, Verratti, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Sciglio, Balotelli, Immobile.

Uruguay:  Muslera, Cáceres, Giménez, Godín, Pereira, Álvaro González, Ríos, Lodeiro, Rodríguez, Cavani, Suárez.

Referee: Marco Rodriguez (Mexico)

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