Italy Slovakia Betting – Final Spot On The Line In Group F Finale
A lot has been made about the defending World Cup champions being slow starters at most of the international tournaments they have played in the past, but for the Azzuri, a change of pace in to high gear will be needed if Italy are to have a chance to continue defending their title in to the round of 16. Consecutive ties to open the tournament have left Italy in a tie for second place with New Zealand, with last-place Slovakia trailing by only a single point. Now, a tough match against the European club playing in its first World Cup will likely decide who joins Paraguay out of Group F.
June 24th – 10:00 AM ET
Nelspruit
Group F
Team Italy: Betting Preview
The Azzuri had received harsh criticism even before the tournament started regarding the average age of the team, and the lack of punch up front. Those soccer betting critics have been served notice of their correct World Cup predictions, as Italy has once again stumbled out of the gate to draw in each of their opening two matches, including most recently against a New Zealand squad that was ranked second lowest of all the teams competing in the tournament before play started. A better start could be the key for head coach Marcello Lippi’s squad, as Italy has already conceded the lead in each of their first two games. Now, with their destiny in their own hands, Italy will look for redemption and a chance in the round of 16 with a win over Slovakia.
Team Slovakia: Betting Preview
In only their first World Cup appearance since the country split from the Czech Republic, fans of Slovakia must be feeling that their team is cursed. An excellent effort in their opener with New Zealand resulted in nothing more than a draw after they conceded the win in injury time of a 1-1 tie. Slovakia couldn’t rebound in time for their next game, a 2-0 loss to group leaders Paraguay. Now, trailing both New Zealand and Italy for the final qualification spot in the group, Slovakia can only have a chance to advance with a win over the Azzuri.
Who To Bet On?
How different things would be for Slovakia if they were able to hold on to that opening game lead over New Zealand. The draw however, in combination with the two ties that Italy has already played to leaves the Group F division wide open. All three teams trailing Paraguay in the standings can advance with a win in their finales. However, the team that remains the most likely to pull it off is Italy, who has yet to play to their potential in either of the first two games. Finishing their opportunities will be the key for Italy, but it won’t be easy against a strong and determined opponent focused on ensuring they make a name for themselves against the defending champion Azzuri.
