Italy - Odds to Win 2014 FIFA World Cup

Italy has a ton of World Cup experience on their squad and they looked solid in qualifying not losing one match. They have a slew of world-class players including the hero of the 2006 World Cup in GK Gianluigi Buffon. The Azzurri have a great defense and as a team they are very tactical. There are no main weaknesses, but some of their key players are not spring chickens any more, as they are not a young squad.

Italy was drawn into a tough group with England and Uruguay, but they along with Uruguay have the best odds to win the group.

Italy Odds to win World Cup 2014: +2800
Italy Odds to win Group D: +163

Check out our Free Bets section for the Best World Cup Bonuses

How They Advanced:

Italy won European qualifying Group B with 22 points and they went unbeaten with six wins and four draws. The defense is solid for the Azzurri, but they only had three clean sheets in their 10 qualifying matches and they gave up two goals in each of their last two matches. The Czech Republic were the toughest team in Italy’s group and the Italians beat them at home and played to a draw facing them on the road.

Early Prediction:

Even in a tough group Italy will advance and they will also win the group. Their defense and midfield will thwart the Uruguay attack, they are simply better and have more experience than the English squad, and Costa Rica does not have a chance. They will beet the runner up from Group C in the round of 16, but then will likely face Spain in the quarterfinals. This will be a good match, but Spain has too much talent and they will beat the Azzurri.

Qualifying Results:

07/09/12 Bulgaria 2 – 2 Italy        
11/09/12 Italy 2 – 0 Malta        
12/10/12 Armenia 1 – 3 Italy        
16/10/12 Italy 3 – 1 Denmark        
26/03/13 Malta 0 – 2 Italy        
07/06/13 Czech Republic 0 – 0 Italy        
06/09/13 Italy 1 – 0 Bulgaria        
10/09/13 Italy 2 – 1 Czech Republic        
11/10/13 Denmark 2 – 2 Italy        
15/10/13 Italy 2 – 2 Armenia

Italy Key Players

Gianluigi Buffon GK Juventus – When he is on his game he is the best keeper in the world.
Andrea Pirlo MF Juventus – Main playmaker for the Italian squad.
Mario Balotelli FW AC Milan – Greta striker that can frustrate any defense.

Past World Cup Results:

2010 Did not advance out of group stage
2006 Champions
2002 Lost in the round of 16 to South Korea 2-1

Italy World Cup Schedule:

15/06/14 England vs. Italy - Arena Amazonia
20/06/14 Italy vs. Costa Rica - Arena Pernambuco    
24/06/14 Italy vs. Uruguay - Arena das Dunas

Italy World Cup Roster