Take Italy to beat the USA in today's Confederation Cup clash but don't expect a goal fest
USA Vs Italy live on BBC3, 7-30 pm Monday 15th June 2009
Italy arrive at the Confederation Cup with a very strong squad and a formidable record in qualification for the World Cup 2010 and should have too much for the USA team. I expect this game to be competetive and combative and ticks all my boxes for a great game to watch provided that Marcello Lippi doesnt field too many of the younger players that he expects to take with him to the World Cup next year.
This is Italy’s first entry into the Confederation Cup and so we should hope that they have come to win it. Italy are 5.3 on Betfair to win the tournament outright and 2.68 to win this stronger group and if Brazil fail to impress earlier in the day (perhaps due to wanting to be on holiday or concentrate on new contracts for next season) then these could prove to be lucrative odds for a one-off Final between Spain and Italy. Betfair is all about finding value so watch Brazil carefully, form an opinion and give the Italians serious consideration.
The USA have won four from their last six games but this disguises the fact that they were poor against Honduras and Costa Rica in last week’s World Cup qualifiers and would need to improve dramatically from that form to get past Italy. The Italians never seem to be prolific scorers and I take them to win this 2-0 which is available at 6.8 on Betfair and may also provide a good trading opportunity after a first goal.
Probable scorers is always difficult with the Italians, but Luca Toni at 2.48 would be my only selection provided that he starts and looks interesting to score either the first or the last goal at 4/1 with William Hill. UNDER 2.5 GOALS is available at 1.77 on Betfair with the safer option of UNDER 3.5 at a skinny 1.29.
