Italy to Crash out of World Cup in Group Stage, Predicts 'Football Manager' Game
Italy are being tipped by some as possible World Cup winners this summer, but a simulation run exclusively for Bleacher Report UK suggests otherwise.
Here's what Football Manager 2014 predicts will happen to Andrea Pirlo, Mario Balotelli and company in Brazil.
First up, they will lose 1-0 to England in Manaus, with Arsenal's Jack Wilshere delivering the killer blow.
With a response needed against Costa Rica, Italy dominate and win 3-0, with Balotelli scoring twice and Pirlo grabbing the other—it doesn't state whether Pirlo's goal is a deluxe free-kick, but let's just assume so.
Italy's last group game against Uruguay is therefore crucial. They need to win, but Edinson Cavani equalises after Daniele De Rossi's opener to end the match in a draw.
With that, Italy return home, as Uruguay and England progress to the knockout rounds.
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