Italy New Zealand Betting – Defending World Cup Champions Take On New Zealand
Given their history as traditionally slow starters, it was only fitting that the Azzuri opened the tournament with a come from behind draw, despite being the heavy favorites in their initial contest against Paraguay. Italy will be expected to put forth a much better effort against New Zealand, the team which on paper is considered the weakest of Group F. A last minute goal against Slovakia allowed the All Whites to snatch a point out of seemingly nowhere, creating a four-way tie in the 2010 World Cup betting standings with each team at one point.
- June 20th – 10:00 AM ET
- Nelspruit – Mbombela Stadium
- Group F
Team Italy: Betting Preview
The defending World Cup champions left their fans holding their collective breaths heading in to the first half intermission of their opening 1-1 draw against Paraguay, after allowing the speedy South Americans to reach the score sheet first off a lovely set piece. Despite dominating possession, Italy failed to create many solid scoring chances early on, and with a plethora of injuries, including to their most creative midfielder Andrea Pirlo, it seemed as though the Azzuri would have an uphill climb just to secure a single point. Italy would get on the board in the second half however off a Daniele De Rossi conversion on a corner kick, and from there continued to mount a consistent challenge on the Paraguay goal. Despite not being able to score another, the increased pace and the way the team came together as the contest continued gave fans a promising look at their team’s World Cup betting predictions potential.
Team New Zealand: Betting Preview
Full marks must be given to New Zealand for their excellent sports betting effort against Slovakia in the 1-1 draw. The All White were able to keep their deficit at one despite having the lesser of the chances, and a late offensive surge propelled them in to an even race atop the group F standings. It will be a much more difficult task trying to slow a determined Italian side that may be welcoming back key midfielder Andrea Pirlo to the fray, but after earning the comeback in the final minutes against Slovakia, New Zealand must be confident heading in to their final group game.
Who To Bet On?
If not for a terrible set piece in which a pair of Italian defenders were clearly beaten to the ball despite holding solid position, the Azzuri could have very well secured maximum points in their soccer betting opener against Paraguay. Traditionally slow starters, a win against New Zealand will be the key to Italy putting itself in position to return to the round of 16, as the 2006 World Cup champions look to continue defense of their title. While New Zealand did an excellent job against Slovakia, their skill level on paper when compared to Italy still faces a monumental gap between it.
