Italy begins defense of their World Cup title on Monday and they are favored in 2010 World Cup odds in their opening match against Paraguay. The Italians are not huge favorites though in World Cup betting as Paraguay has the ability to pull off an upset or to get the draw. On the three-way soccer betting line, Italy is even money, Paraguay is +270 and the Draw is +220. The total on the match is two. With these two teams that total might even be too high. This is a very important match for Paraguay as if they can get a result they would be in superb position to advance from Group F. Italy is the favorite in the group but they are not considered as strong as they were four years ago. Paraguay was led in qualifying by Salvador Cabanas who had six goals. If they are to score on Monday they will probably need Lucas Barrios to make some plays but it won’t be easy against a tough Italy defense.
Italy will be making their 17th appearance in the World Cup and they are the defending champions. Manager Marcello Lippi has gone with many of the players who were on the team last year but how this team is going to score is a major question mark. There is no Totti, Cassano or Balotelli this time. They still have Buffon in goal and they have other talented players like Daniele De Rossi and Alberto Gilardino but where is their goal scoring going to come from. They have to hope that Gilardino can find the net. He had six goals in qualifying to lead the World Cup Odds team.
Lippi is a great coach but many are wondering about the makeup of the squad. Some are calling it one of the weaker teams Italy has sent to the World Cup. This will be the last World Cup for Lippi as he will be replaced by Cesare Prandelli.
Looking at Italy they seem overvalued in this year’s World Cup. They have very little scoring and they also look old. Group F is not that strong so Italy should be able to advance but it is not a guarantee. This match against Paraguay is likely to be very low scoring and a scoreless draw is a distinct possibility on Monday