World Cup Qualifier: Italy v Armenia match preview

A look ahead to the Group B World Cup Qualifying match in Naples.

Mario Balotelli has scored six goals for Italy during their qualifying campaign (GETTY IMAGES)

In this final World Cup Qualifying match, Armenia look to finish in the play-off places – but certainly face a stern test against group winners Italy in Naples.

The Italians have already secured their place at next year’s World Cup in Brazil, but Armenia are looking to be runners up, if results go their way. Vardan Minasyan’s team are currently fifth in the table, but only a point behind second-placed Bulgaria – meaning a victory could finish them above.

However, this also requires the unlikely result of bottom-placed Malta earning a draw with Denmark, and Bulgaria and the Czech Republic to draw. The two sides have endured very different campaigns, with Armenia losing five of their nine fixtures and Italy looking to complete a comfortable campaign with their seventh victory.

Kick off:Tuesday, 19:45pm.

Past meetings:

Armenia 1 Italy 3, World Cup Qualifying, October 2012

Stats:

Italy are yet to lose a match in their qualifiers, winning six of their nine fixtures so far and drawing three of them.

Armenia have won four of their nine matches, but have also lost five of them.

AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has scored six times for his country during qualification, with Southampton striker Pablo Osvaldo behind him on three goals.

Spartak Moscow striker Yura Movsisyan has been leading the way for Armenia, scoring three goals in qualifying.

Since 1998, Armenia have been in qualifying for the World Cup but have not made it through to the Finals in their four attempts.

Odds –

Italy to win: 1.34

Armenia to win: 12

Draw: 5.6