Italy probably only need a point versus Slovakia to advance to last 16, and a likely clash with Holland, but they should be backed to beat their fellow Europeans and I’m still confident the defending champions can go a long way in South Africa.
I was really impressed with Italy’s second half performance versus Paraguay in their opener, when rallying from a goal down to grab a draw, and, while admittedly they failed to threaten a sub-standard New Zealand side when held by the same score line next time out, I still retain plenty of faith in their abilities.
Manager Marcello Lippi, who masterminded Italy’s 2006 success in Germany, chose to throw striker Antonio Di Natale into the mix against the All Whites and, while the Udinese man flattered to deceive, he should keep faith with the diminutive forward.
Italy’s first-choice strikers were full of goals in Serie A this season, Alberto Gilardino should retain his place in the starting XI, and to me they look talented enough in midfield to create plenty of chances.
I have been really taken with Riccardo Montolivo in the middle and his partnership with Daniele De Rossi can continue to flourish.
Keeping clean sheets has never been the problem for Italy and, even though star stopper Gianluigi Buffon is ruled out with injury, Fabio Cannavaro and Giorgio Chiellini should be fairly untroubled.
Slovakia started their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw with New Zealand, denied by a late equaliser, but they were comprehensively outplayed by table toppers Paraguay and now must beat the 2006 winners to progress.
Manager Vladimir Weiss deserves plenty of credit for establishing Slovakia as a force to be reckoned with in Europe but, while they qualified for the finals automatically at the expense of Slovenia, this is a step up and I’m not sure they are experienced enough to cope.
I have Italy no bigger than 1.50 for this, a game which they really should win, and that could prove generous if they were to establish an early lead. Such a scenario would make Slovakia vulnerable on the break, they have to win remember, and a comfortable win is on the cards for the Azzurri.
2pts Back Italy (vs. Slovakia) @ 1.58 (various)