Italy exceeded expectations two years ago, by clawing its way to the Euro 2012 final. The fact that they succumbed to Spain by four goals to none was disappointing to say the least, but proves once more than the Italians can produce a surprise. They travel to Brazil, confident that the new team will perform much better than it did four years ago, but they also prepare for intense competition.
Cesare Prandelli will try to brilliantly mix together experienced players with young and ambitious ones, trying to replicate the performance of the qualifying campaign. The last time Italy won the World Cup happened in 2006 and only a handful of the players who lifted the trophy back then are still in their starting rotation. Bookmakers didn't include Italy among the favorites to prevail in Brazil, so punters will enjoy odds of 26 to 1 if they back the Azzurri.
Group stage and event prospects
Italy is the kind of team that usually starts any campaign slow but picks up speed as the elimination rounds begin. This time, they will have to come out firing on all cylinders, because they play in a very difficult group that features Uruguay and England. Costa Rica is the underdog, but even the South Americans can pose problems if underestimated and Italy has a tradition of struggling early.
Interesting enough, Bet365 favors Italy and Uruguay to win the group stage, with the two teams being tied for the lead with odds of 2.62, while England comes in third. The aging Italian players will have a hard time in playing defense as well as they did two world cups ago, especially against the phenomenal offensive trident of Uruguay.
There is still plenty of quality in their starting formation, and the midfield looks particularly strong, with a mix of experience and gifted players. Pound for pound, Italy is better that both England and Uruguay but they don't have too many options upfront and it is uncertain how their players will perform under the hot Brazilian sun. Surviving the group stage is vital for the Azzurri and any victory in the elimination rounds will be probably regarded as a bonus for Cesare Prandelli and his players.
Key players for Italy at the World Cup
Gianluigi Buffon will once again start in the net despite the fact that he is no longer in his prime, but even so he remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The same can be said about Andrea Pirlo and Giorgio Chiellini, players who bring a wealth of experience, not to mention that they create most of the scoring opportunities. Pirlo is not only the playmaker, but also one of the most intelligent midfielders at the World Cup, while his ability to convert free kicks is legendary.
Stephan El Shaarawy and Mattia De Sciglio need to grab the opportunity and make a name for themselves at the World Cup 2014. They played a few games so far, but the experience accumulated at big European clubs will come in handy. Balotelli remains the best option upfront, even though the striker is rather unreliable, easily loses his temper and blows hot and cold. Nevertheless he is the Italian striker credited with the first chance to be the top scorer at odds of 34.00 with Bet365.
The bottom line
It is hard to believe that Italy will even make the final stage of the World Cup 2014 and it's even less likely that they will win the trophy. The odds on all counts are tempting, but punters would be better off backing the Italians match by match instead of placing ante-post wagers.
