World Cup 2014: How can Italy finish top of Group D?

We take a look at how Cesare Prandelli's side can finish top of Group D

Joe Krishnan
Tuesday 24 June 2014 10:05 EDT
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Mario Balotelli heads Italy in front
Mario Balotelli heads Italy in front (GETTY IMAGES)

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Italy can still finish top of Group D but they will need a helping hand from the side they put out of the World Cup.

Costa Rica currently top the group on six points after beating Italy 1-0 and Uruguay 3-1.

And although their 2-1 win over England means they are second on goal difference ahead of Uruguay, they will be hoping to win to secure their passage to the second round.

However, they will need a three-goal turnaround and hope England beat Costa Rica in order to finish top of the group, avoiding the likes of Colombia when they qualify.

Possible second round opponents:

Ivory Coast, Japan or Greece

The Group D table in full...

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