World Cup Qualifying Game Time Thread: Italy vs. Czech Republic

Ah, real games that actually mean something. How much I've missed these things that are played on the field, not something that involves stupid newspaper chatter.

Okay, so it's not Juventus, but it's the next best thing. Why's that? Take a look at the Italy roster and then get back to me with your answer. Go ahead. It's not a bad thing. Your mind won't be blown. I promise.

...

Told you so.

The last time we saw the Azzurri competing in World Cup qualifying it was back in March, with Italy recording a 2-0 win over Malta to stay atop the Group B standings. I just have a hunch that Friday night's opponent in Prague, the Czech Republic, is going to be a little bit tougher. Don't know why.

Or maybe that's because the Czechs are one of the two closest teams to Italy in their group rather than sitting at the very bottom because they haven't won a single qualifying match like Malta. Just a guess. Either way, Italy have gotten almost all the points possible. Also, just a guess. I'm not entirely suie why.

35 - Italy are unbeaten in their last 35 games in Euro or WC qualifiers (28 wins, seven draws). Through?

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) June 7, 2013

Oh, right. Maybe that's why.

No need to wait to announce the lineups because Italy manager Cesare Prandelli already has. Now, if only that would be the norm all the time,

But this isn't about me. This is Italy's night to score some goals and continue on with the World Cup qualifying winning ways. That'd be a pretty good idea. They've certainly set a pretty darn good pace thus far.

Italy XI (4-3-1-2): Buffon (c); Abate, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio; Montolivo; Balotelli, El Shaarawy