Italia vs. Costa Rica [World Cup 2014] Live Stream, Start Time, TV Schedule, Lineups & Predictions

Italy and Costa Rica will face off on Friday morning with each having won their first games of match play. Costa Rica upset Uruguay in their earlier game, and Italy defeated England 2 to 1 in their first game of match play. Both are looking to keep their hopes of advancing in the World Cup alive. Italy is favored not only in this game, but is also one of the top contenders in this overall group. Buffon, Italy's goalkeeper and captain, is returning from an injury that sat him out of the first round match against England.

When: Friday, June 20, 2014

Where: Arena Pernambuco Recife (BRA)

Kickoff: 10:00 a.m. ET

Live Stream: ESPN Player

TV: ESPN

Buffon, Italy's goalkeeper, is the most experienced goalkeeper in the world. He plays for Juventez for ₤32.5 million. His experience includes being the hero of the 2006 World Cup Finals, and has also won Serie A titles. The Italians will rely heavily on Andreas Pirlo, also known as the "magician or the meistro," to control the midfield and dictate play. 

What to Watch For:

Costa Rica: The defense will have to keep a close eye on Balotelli, as he is a constant threat to score. Costa Rica is coming off an impressive match where they dominated a very talented Uruguaian squad. Joel Campbell, who plays for Arsenal in the English Premiere League, will be one of the attacking threats for Costa Rica.

Italy: The Italian defense should not be surprised with the Costa Rican attack after Costa Rica scored 3 on Uruguay. The Italians will set up with their traditional four-back system to try and slow down the energetic Ticos. Antonio Candreva is coming off of a great performance against Italy and will look to continue to wreak havoc down the righthand side. 

Lineup Predictions:

Italy (Possible, 4-5-1): Buffon; Chiellini, Barzagli, Paletta, Darmian; De Rossi, Verratti, Pirlo, Marchisio, Candreva; Balotelli.

Costa Rica (Possible, 4-4-1-1): Navas; Gonzalez, Umana, Duarte, Gamboa; Bolanos, Diaz, Tejeda, Borges; Ruiz; Campbell.