MODENA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Cesare Prandelli of Italy attends a press conference ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifier against Malta at Alberto Braglia Stadium on September 10, 2012 in Modena, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Italy were poor on Friday, but the good news for them is that there won't be anyone worried about how quickly they bounce back. They should win comfortably against Malta. Follow @SBNationSoccer
Italy's defense and goalkeeping (yes, goalkeeping) were extremely poor on Friday in Bulgaria, when the Azzurri drew 2-2. They won't be worried too much about whether or not they can bounce back from that rough result in their second qualifier, since a team comprised of top Serie B players could probably get the job done against Malta.
Malta is usually good for a couple of points at best during major qualifying cycles and couldn't snatch any points against Armenia at home on Friday, even though that match was probably their best opportunity to grab any points and avoid finishing on zero. Cesare Prandelli will probably make a couple of changes, but don't expect anything drastic. Even the players who deserve dropping might be worth keeping in the team, just for the sake of boosting their confidence with a win and a clean sheet.
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, 2:35 p.m. ET, 8:35 p.m. local
Venue: Stadio Alberto Braglia, Modena, Italy
TV: RAI Internazionale (U.S. and Canada - Italian), Sportsnet One (Canada)
Online: ESPN3 (U.S.)
We'll have live coverage of every qualifier in our UEFA 2014 World Cup Qualifying StoryStream. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on Twitter.
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