Italy vs. Denmark: Date, Time and Preview of 2014 World Cup Qualifier

The international break has taken over the soccer world, and many look forward to the fantastic World Cup qualifying matches that will come in the following days.

One match that fans are surely looking forward to is Italy vs. Denmark. 

As European Cup finalists and current leaders of Group B, Italy will look to continue their success and hush critics. 

Denmark will simply be looking to gain their first win in Group B and keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Where: San Siro. Milan, Italy.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2:45 p.m. EST

Italy Team Breakdown

Italy will look to continue their dominance in Group B.

Italy is coming off a 3-1 win over Armenia. They will look to build on this win that featured excellent play in midfield.

Led by brilliant central midfielder Andrea Pirlo, Italy’s midfield is made up of great players such as Claudio Marchisio, Daniele De Rossi and Riccardo Montolivo.

This midfield proved vital to Italy’s success at Euro 2012, and if Italy want to have similar success in Brazil two years from now, they will need this midfield to continue to control possession and find open players.

Italy has had to rely on their talented set of midfielders to lead the attack to start group play.

This has been mainly because striker Mario Balotelli has had a series of different circumstances that have kept him from the pitch. 

Balotelli, however, is expected to return for Italy on Tuesday. 

Another concern for Italy has been speculation that world-class keeper Gianluigi Buffon might be kept from the match by a "left leg muscle problem." 

If Buffon cannot play for Italy, look for his backup, Napoli starting goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis, to be between the sticks.

Denmark Team Breakdown

Denmark is coming off a disappointing 1-1 draw against a Bulgarian team that had to play with only 10 men. 

The Danes have not won a match yet, and if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive, they must win at San Siro.

Denmark's side features young talents such as Nicklas Bendtner and Christian Eriksen. 

Bendtner and Eriksen have been the lone bright spots for Denmark in what has otherwise been a rather dismal start to their qualification effort.  

Denmark will need their stars of tomorrow to step up big now if they are going to have any chance against this formidable Italian side.

Denmark can count on one thing for certain: They will have their full squad healthy and ready to go on Tuesday.

Prediction

Italy will win 3-1. Look for Balotelli to find the net in his return against Denmark. Denmark are overmatched and away from home—two signs that a loss is in the future.