Italy Paraguay Betting – Italians Kick Off Quest With Draw Against Fearless Paraguayans
Italy came away with the online betting win over France at Germany 2006, although it will be remembered more for the Zinedine Zidane headbutt on Marco Matarazzi. The Italians will be begin their quest to repeat against an attack-minded Paraguay, and this clash of styles is looking like it’ll turn out to be all even.
- What: World Cup Betting
- When: Monday, June 14th, 2:30 PM ET
- Where: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa
- Key Stats: Italy is 2-0 all-time against Paraguay
The Storyline
The defending World Cup champions from Italy will be out to go back-to-back at this tournament for the second time in their history as they won in 1934 and 1938. Paraguay was dumped in the first round of the World Cup in 2006, but they had an outstanding qualification and will have their eye on a massive upset.
Who Has The Edge On Offense: Italy Paraguay Betting
The Italians aren’t an offensive juggernaut by any stretch of the imagination, and their biggest threats will be Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta, although Daniele De Rossi is dangerous from midfield as well. The x-factor could be Giuseppe Rossi, who has citizenship in both the United States and Italy, but he brings a goal-scoring ability off the bench for the Italians.
Paraguay was robbed of their top qualification scorer as Salvador Cabanas was shot in the head in January. He’s now just getting back to kicking a ball, but Cabana is in no shape to play in the biggest soccer tournament in the world. This puts pressure on Roque Santa Cruz and Nelson Valdez to step up and pick up the slack, and Santa Cruz will be eager to make an impression after a subpar season at Manchester City.
Edge: DrawWho Has The Edge In Defense: Italy Paraguay Betting
Sportsbook players are well aware of Italy’s defensive prowess, and although it may make for boring football, it breeds results (see Inter Milan’s Champions League run). If nothing else, they’re experienced with Gianluigi Buffon in goal behind captain Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluca Zambrotta, along with the AC Milan duo of Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo in midfield. This should be the last World Cup for this group, and they’ll want to go out with a bang.
Paraguay prefers to play an attacking style, which leaves them exposed them at the back occasionally. Justo Villar is the No.1 keeper, while captain Denis Caniza and Paulo Da Silva at the heart of the defense. They’re going to have to be disciplined against the Italians, who will try to hit them on the counterattack.
Edge: ItalyNotable Injuries – Italy vs Paraguay Betting
Everyone in the Italy squad is healthy heading into the tournament, and the same goes for Paraguay, although they will sorely miss Cabanas (head).
Edge: ItalyTotals – Italy vs Paraguay Betting
Italy has outscored Paraguay 5-1 in their two meetings, and they’ll be aiming to keep this game from turning into a track meet with their defensive style of play. Paraguay has to remain calm and not get frustrated.
Pick: UNDER 2.5
Italy vs Paraguay Betting Prediction & Outlook
Italy is a -115 favorite in this contest, while Paraguay is listed at +340, and a draw is rated at +225. This is an intriguing matchup of contrasting styles, and while Italy has the experience, Paraguay won’t have any fear as they went all out against the likes of Brazil and Argentina and more than held their own. Their best chance is to attack Cannavaro, the aging Italian captain who hasn’t been at his best since the last World Cup. This match is just stacking up as a sports betting draw, which is as good as a win for Paraguay.
