Italy has been a slow starter so far in this years World Cup and a match against Slovakia may be just what the doctor ordered. Italy has yet to win as they enter their third and last group match and Slovakia does not have a win in the World Cup either with a 1-1 tie to New Zealand and a 2-0 loss to Paraguay.
Italy still controls their own destiny and a win against Slovakia will advance them to the knockout stages. Italy enters the match with their best player, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, in need of surgery but playing on gamely. Italy is also grasping at straws trying to explain their ineffectiveness in this years World Cup.
Giancarlo Abete Blames European Club Soccer for Not Developing Talent
The Italian federation president Giancarlo Abete is blaming European club soccer for their poor performance. In this story by ESPN affiliate soccernet, Abete blames the clubs for not developing young talent. Leaving the European World Cup teams with aging veterans and no young talent.
Abete may have a point especially when looking at the aging England World Cup entry. Italy also has an older roster and France has already been eliminated with problems related to their primadonna type athletes that are European club soccer stars.
Antonio Di Natale Has Been One Bright Spot for Italy in the World Cup-Can He Do More?
Antonio Di Natale, has assisted on both of Italy’s goals and sadly, Italy will need more out of Di Natale if they are going to advance. Look for Italy to unleash their striker in this critical World Match where they must Win to advance. Di Natale may break out for not only one goal but there is a distinct possibility Di Natale could score two goals. This is a match that could bring Italy, the defending World Cup champs, back into the conversation as a World Cup contender.
Stanislav Sestak is the Key to Slovakia Crushing Italy’s World Cup Hopes
Stanislav Sestak must break out and be aggressive for Slovakia to have any chance. He does have one assist and four shots in this World Cup but Sestak must produce early in the first half to give Slovakia a boost. Sestak is the reason Slovakia made it to the World Cup through qualifications, scoring six of their goals en route to South Africa.
Las Vegas Hilton Superbook Favors Italy -1 over Slovakia
The Las Vegas Hilton Superbook believes in Italy advancing to the knockout rounds, they have installed Italy as a one goal favorite over Slovakia. It is a tough call to pick a team that has yet to outscore an opponent in the World Cup and to bet on them to win by two goals. Although it is a scary proposition, take Italy -1 to beat Slovakia and advance to the next round.
sources:
www.espn.go.comItaly and Slovakia player profiles.
Las Vegas Hilton Superbook betting lines for World Cup.
