Italy vs. Denmark: Live Stream Viewing Info for 2014 UEFA World Cup Qualifier

Italy looks to take another step toward the 2014 World Cup today with a qualifying victory over Denmark. The Azzurri currently sit atop UEFA Group B with seven points. Danish Dynamite is five points off the pace, but do have a game in hand.

The Italians haven't missed the World Cup in more than 50 years, winning the biggest international tournament twice during that span. While there's still seven games left in the group stage, they appear on track to make it to Brazil.

Denmark has a more spotty qualification record, but did earn a trip to South Africa two years ago. The country's best chance of making it two in a row will be finishing second in the group and then advancing through the playoff round. Winning Group B is a long shot.

Qualifying in Europe is the most competitive in the world. Tuesday's match will be another example of that. Let's take a look at the key information followed by a preview and prediction for the clash.

Where: San Siro in Milan, Italy

When: Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 2:45 p.m. ET

Watch: RAI Internazionale

Match Preview

Italy has rebounded from a disappointing loss in the Euro 2012 final to start off qualifying on a high note. The Azzurri used a strong second half to upend Armenia last week, giving them two victories and one draw in three fixtures so far.

The team will receive a boost thanks to the return of dynamic striker Mario Balotelli. He's missed the entire qualifying campaign so far due to eye surgery and illness, but ESPN reports the Manchester City star should be ready to roll against Denmark.

Longtime national team goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon won't be able to join Balotelli in the lineup, however. The Italian captain has been ruled out of the match due a leg injury, likely forcing veteran Morgan De Sanctis to step in between the pipes.

So it's one step forward and one step back for Italy. Even though the Azzurri should be pleased with the qualifying results, they haven't been in top form lately. And it's tough to reach that point when key players are constantly in and out of the lineup.

Luckily, Italy is able to earn points even without playing its best. The roster features a good mix of experience and youth with no shortage of talent. It's only a matter of time before the Italians find that elite form again.

On the flip side, Denmark has been struggling. After bowing out of the European Championships in the group stage despite a win over the Netherlands, the Danes lost a friendly against Slovakia and have earned just two qualifying draws.

If they don't play better against Italy, the game will quickly get out of hand. The combination of Dennis Rommedahl and Nicklas Bendtner gives Danish Dynamite two reliable attacking options, but they have struggled to control the midfield.

That means the pressure is on William Kvist and rising star Christian Eriksen to put pressure on Italy. They can't afford to sit back and let the Azzurri dominate possession throughout the match.

Neither team has been playing its best lately, but Italy's middling form is better than Denmark's. Combined with home-field advantage, the Italians should be able to earn all three points with one goal in each half and a strong defensive effort.

Prediction

Italy 2, Denmark 0