Slovakia vs. Italy World Cup Betting Preview

World Cup
Slovakia vs. Italy
Thursday, 10 am Eastern - ESPN

Defending World Cup odds champion Italy can advance to the round of 16 if they defeat Slovakia on Thursday. Even though Italy has struggled with draws in their first two matches, they will advance with a win.  Paraguay leads Group F while Italy and New Zealand are tied for second.

Italy is heavily favored in World Cup odds at SBG Global.

Italy has a very good chance to advance since Slovakia has done very little so far in Group F.  Paraguay has looked like the best team in the group and if they defeat New Zealand they will win the group.  New Zealand could also advance if they win that match against Paraguay.  Only Slovakia does not control their destiny but if Slovakia can upset Italy they could advance to the knockout round if Paraguay beats New Zealand.  Anything is still possible in Group F.

Italy is expected to win on Thursday against Slovakia.  Italy has not played that badly in their first two matches but they simply haven't gotten much scoring.  Paraguay and New Zealand only scored one goal each against Italy but the Italians couldn't create much offense. What may help Italy on Thursday is the addition of playmaker Andrea Pirlo who missed the first two matches of the World Cup betting due to injury.  He would definitely help Italy's offense and he might create room for striker Alberto Gilardino. Italy head coach Marcello Lippi said that his team can play much better than they have so far.

Slovakia is in last place in Group F but they are not without a chance.  If they can find a way to upset Italy they would just need Paraguay to beat New Zealand to advance. Slovakia should have beaten New Zealand in their opener but gave up a goal in injury time that cost them the win.  They then played very poorly in a 2-0 loss to Paraguay.

This match between Italy and Slovakia can be seen on ESPN on Thursday while at the same time it will be Paraguay facing New Zealand on ESPN 2.  With all four teams in Group F still having a chance to advance you can be sure that the teams will be watching the other match with great interest.  Italy really shouldn't be too concerned though since they will advance with a win, regardless of what happens in the match between Paraguay and New Zealand.

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