Italy v Japan: At least two goals for buoyant Azzurri

Mario Balotelli has been prolific for his country

Japan were outclassed by Brazil in their opener and it's unlikely to get much easier against Italy...

Italy v Japan, Wednesday 23:00, BBC1, Match Odds: Italy 1.768/11, Japan 6.05/1, The Draw 3.7511/4

That man Mario Balotelli came up trumps for the Azzurri in their Group A curtain-raiser, topping off an eye-catching performance with a well deserved goal to sink Mexico.

Then again, if you shoot as often as the former Man City man did, one is bound to go in eventually.

Having navigated that tricky looking fixture - ending Mexico's 13-game unbeaten streak in the process - the Euro 2012 finalists can now express themselves without pressure against Japan.

Driven along by the evergreen Andrea Pirlo, scorer of a sensational trademark free-kick in his 100th appearance against Mexico, this Italy side have picked up from where they left off from last year's Euros.

Unbeaten thus far in qualifying for Brazil 2014 and currently sitting pretty four points clear of Bulgaria in Group B, the Italians have found an excellent blend of youth and experience - as highlighted by the differing ages of their goalscorers in the first match.

The spine of Cesare Prandelli's team is built around Juventus' domineering Serie A championship-winning side, so there is a good understanding in this Italy side, who look after the ball beautifully.

Meanwhile, Japan were heavily outclassed by Brazil and it looks to be a case of 'out of the frying pan' here for the Asian champions. They already look like the make-weights in Group A.

Italy Total Goals

Traditionally famed for their strong defence, Prandelli has changed the Italian psyche somewhat during his tenure, making the Azzurri a slick attacking unit. The rewards have come in the shape of goals, an average of exactly two per game in their last six outings to be precise.

To Score

If he can stay on the pitch for the 90 minutes there are not many better bets than Super Mario to notch in Italian blue. AC Milan's maverick striker has already notched nine international goals from just 23 caps and looks certain to start again.

Best Bet: Back Italy to score two or more goals @ 2.0421/20 
Recommended Bet: Back Mario Balotelli to score @ 2.35/4