Italy and Costa Rica will match up today in the second game of their World Cup. The World Cup Odds for the match have Italy favored to pick up their second win of the World Cup.

The Group D matches have been fun to watch and today's first game with Italy taking on Costa Rica should be no different. The Italians won their opening game of the World Cup, 2-1, over England. The two squads were tied in the opening half before Mario Balotelli scored what would be the game-winner in the 50th minute of the contest. Costa Rica comes into today's game with three points as well. They won their opening match over Uruguay 3-1. Costa Rica actually trailed 1-0 at halftime in their opening match. Yet, they were able to tally three marks in the second half. 

With England's loss on Thursday to Uruguay, all three other teams in the Group have three points. The English are on the verge of elimination and there's nothing they can do about it with zero points. 

These two squads have never met on the pitch in a competitive atmosphere. Whichever team picks up a victory in this matchup will be marching on to the Round of 16. 

Italy will have to play more efficiently on offense than Uruguay did. Costa Rica was able to keep their offense very plain and Uruguay was able to only get one tally on the board. 

The Italian defense will also be important. Joel Campbell played a very important role for Costa Rica in their opening match, but the Italian defenders might be able to corral him. Campbell drew a whole bunch of fouls against Uruguay and assisted on a goal as well.

We like Italy to win this match 2-1. The Italians are better in the midfield and we like them to win the match there. 

Free Pick: Italy 2, Costa Rica 1

 World Cup Soccer Picks: Ghana vs Germany

What soccer bettors need to know about Ghana vs Germany on Saturday (6/21/14) -- a free pick from Pregame.com's Ken Thomson with added insight from Marco D'Angelo.

$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!

$10,000 Match Marco Baseball Challenge — During the 2010 MLB season, Pregame Pro Marco D'Angelo won an unheard of 25 straight baseball games, never laying more than -$120! This contest replicates Marco's feat--- CLICK TO JOIN

Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for Major League Baseball with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!