Italy v Paraguay, Monday 14th June, 7.30pm
| Full Time Result | |||
| Best Odds | Bookmaker | Free Bets | |
| Italy | 6/5 |  |
£200 |
| Draw | 9/4 |  |
£20 |
| Paraguay | 10/3 |  |
£20 |
On Monday evening, the Azzurri begin the defence of their World Cup title and they’ll take some beating, despite looking pretty ordinary on paper once again. Marcello Lippi is back at the helm after the hapless Roberto Donadoni failed at Euro 2008 and the veteran manager knows how to get the best out of this limited Italian squad.
The holders are even money with bet365 and Blue Square to start off with a win and it should be noted that they didn’t lose a single match in qualifying. However, the last three friendlies have seen Italy lose to Mexico as well as draw with Switzerland and Cameroon. The problem appears to be scoring goals, although Antonio Di Natale top-scored in Serie A this season and the Udinese forward is 11/2 (Stan James) to break the deadlock at the Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town.
Paraguay will not fear their opponents in this match, especially as Gerardo Martino’s team finished third in the south American qualifying section, some five points ahead of Argentina. Indeed, many people’s bet of the first stint of group stages is a bet on la Albirroja at Boylesports’ 7/2, while the slightly more cautious approach could be to back the underdogs at 2/1 (William Hill) on the Draw No Bet market.
Roque Santa Cruz is the household name for the Paraguayans and is on offer at 9/1 (Ladbrokes) to score the first goal, although it’s strike partner Lucas Barrios (9/1 Stan James) who has recently caught the eye and Benfica’s Oscar Cardozo (9/1 Ladbrokes) could also be in contention for a starting place.
However, perhaps we should learn not to write off the Italians, who have the experience to once again go far in the World Cup, despite their ageing squad. Blue Square offer 11/2 that the Azzurri win by a 1-0 scoreline and the 4/7 (Stan James) about Under 2.5 Goals looks to be a price worth taking.
