Edinson Cavani believes that Uruguay's upcoming World Cup encounter with Italy has the significance of a final.

Both sides meet in Natal next Tuesday knowing that defeat would spell the end of their tournament.

With both nations on three points, Italy need only a draw to join Costa Rica as Group D's representatives in the last 16 due to superior goal difference, prompting Cavani to claim that a "special performance" is needed to pip the Azzurri into the second round.

He told Il Mattino: "Now a huge game awaits us, certainly a difficult one against Italy. We must prepare it as best we can and put in a special performance.

"It is going to be like a final. Our fans have been fantastic so far in the tournament. They remind me of Napoli supporters."

Tuesday's encounter at the Arena das Dunas kicks off at 5pm.

Written by
Shane Callaghan