2010 World Cup odds list Italy as one of the main contenders at 10-1.
The defending World Cup champs are probably overvalued in World Cup betting as they look ripe for an upset.
Italy has many of the same players on their squad that they had four years ago but many of their top strikers from that team are not with the team. The question for Italy is how they are going to score. Italy is a big -310 favorite to win Group F but those odds are based more on reputation and the weakness of the group than anything else. Paraguay has some talent and they are 3-1 to win the group while newcomer Slovakia is undervalued at 7-1. New Zealand is the 48-1 longshot in that group.
Italy is hoping that Antonio Di Natale is ready for the big time because if he doesn’t score then Italy is in serious trouble. The team is counting on Di Natale to lead a weak group of strikers that includes Alberto Gilardino, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Fabio Quagliarella and Giampalolo Pazzini. Between the five players they have scored a total of two International goals. None of the five players look capable of doing much in this World Cup. Four years ago the Italians had two players who could be counted on to score goals in Luca Toni and Francesco Totti. This time they have none. Some experts are calling this group of Italy strikers the worst since 1954 and perhaps the worst ever.
Italy opens up World Cup play against Paraguay on Monday, June 14th. Italy is a -130 favorite on the three-way soccer line with Paraguay +350 and the Draw at +230. The total on that match is two and it may end up scoreless considering Italy’s lack of offensive firepower. If Paraguay can get the win in this match then Italy may not even make it out of the group stage.
Group F is definitely going to be interesting. Italy has a chance to make the round of 16 but it is not a guarantee. New Zealand is not very good so it is a battle between Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia. Paraguay is very capable of winning this group and Slovakia should not be underestimated even though this is their first-ever World Cup.