Italy will face off against Denmark in the World Cup qualifiers on Friday.
The Italians have already clinched a berth among the top 32 teams in next summer's competition and will be looking to cement its club by giving other players a chance to showcase their talents. One of those players making a return to the squad is Giuseppe Rossi. The forward missed two years with the team due to an injury.
"It's a dream for all of us," Rossi said, according to the Miami Herald. "But I've learned to take things day by day so I don't want to think too far ahead. I want to think about today's training for now, these matches, and Fiorentina. I can think about the World Cup later on. I hope I'm in great form when the callups are made."
"It's a very important year for me," Rossi added about making the most out of his opportunity. "I'm starting over from zero, as a new player. It's a new league for me and I have a lot of things to learn with a new coach and new teammates. So far it's been a good start."
Denmark must win this game if it hopes to remain in the race. It sits just one point behind Bulgaria for second place in the group. More importantly, Bulgaria would not even qualify for the second round because it has only acquired seven points from games that are not against cellar-dweller Malta; aside from Group I (which has five teams) all the other group runner-ups losing points that the earned against the last place side in the group. Denmark has nine points in games not against Malta and is slated to face the team again on Tuesday. Even if it manages to win that game and finish in second, Denmark could still be eliminated from contention if it fails to win against Italy.
Prediction: Denmark has everything to play for and will be the more desperate side heading into the game. Expect them to put on a show and defeat Italy 1-0.
Start Time: Kick-off starts at 2:45 p.m. EST.
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