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A to Z of WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA 2010 - Italy
ITALY:
With a FIFA ranking of 4 and a World Cup winning record second only to Brazil, Italy have to be one of the favourites to emerge triumphant in South Africa. They won the trophy in successive tournaments (1934 and 1938) and again in 1982 in Spain. As current holders of the World Cup (they beat France 5-3 on penalties, after an extra time 1-1 draw), Italy will be seeking to retain their status as World Champions, something which has not been achieved for the past 47 years. They sealed their passage to South Africa with a dramatic last minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw against the Republic of Ireland: it also ensured they finished top of Group 8.
For those looking for omens of a repeat tournament win in South Africa, Italy has the same manager as they did in 2006. Marcello Lippi, age 61, retired after the Final against France in 2006, but when the team failed to impress in EURO 2008 under Roberto Donadoni, Lippi was reinstated after the latter was sacked. The use of 36 players in the qualifying round and the apparent over-reliance on squad members from 2006 has not endeared him to the Italian media and some fans. Such criticisms as have come his way appear not to have dented his confidence: “No team is superior to Italy. I don’t want to say that we’re better than everyone, but you might say that we’re not inferior to any other team” he said recently, in a quote that Brian Clough would have been proud of! Foremost amongst the 2006 winners still gracing the National side is Gianluigi Buffon; the Juventus goalkeeper is rated as probably the best in the World. In front of him will be the ageing presence of team-mate and National captain, Fabio Cannavaro. Now 36, there is some question as to whether his legs will hold out. He can however rely on excellent support from the slightly younger (33!) Gianluca Zambrotta. The drive and guile in midfield will come respectively from the Milan pairing of Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo. But the question on everyone’s lips is ‘where will the goals come from?’ Italy’s record in World Cup Finals tournaments is very impressive: Played 77: Won 44 – Drawn 19 – Lost 14. That they have conceded only 69 goals in these 77 matches is testament to their defensive strength. That the same number of matches has seen them score only 122 goals (an average of 1.58 per game) indicates the huge responsibility which lies on the shoulders of Fiorentina’s Alberto Gilardino. He is quoted at 40/1 by Victor Chandler to be the tournament’s top scorer and Italians everywhere will be wishing he does precisely that!
When the draw for 2010 was made last November Italy, as one of the top seeds, found themselves in Group F alongside Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia. There is every expectation that Italy and Paraguay will progress to the last 16 with ease. Indeed Italy are such favourites to win the Group that Ladbrokes have them at 1/2 to do just that. Progress to the semi-final is on offer at 11/5 with Paddy Power, whilst a Final spot can be had at 11/2 with bwin. Those of us who patronise Italian restaurants can add a little spice to our pizzas by betting on an England-Italy Final at 25/1, again with Paddy Power.
Posted: Monday, March 1st, 2010 @ 11:03 am by Mark
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