Group C - Italy should cruise to finals
Group C has an unfamiliar look at the moment, with Estonia currently topping the group by three points. Unfortunately for Estonia they are only there because they are the only side to have played a game. And that was against the Faroe Islands with a far from convincing 2-1 victory thanks to two injury time goals.
The [27.0] for the Estonians to still be there at the end of qualifying is probably best to be avoided. Faroe Islands are currently [32.0] to win the group - but there's more chance of Arsene Wenger signing Peter Schmeichel than that happening.
Italy are favourites at [1.6], and quite rightly so. Cesare Prandelli has come in as head coach and given the team something of an overhaul.
Fabio Cannavaro retired after their disastrous World Cup, and the likes of Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano were given stating berths in their friendly defeat against Ivory Coast last month.
This younger Italian side will face stiff competition from Serbia who are also looking to bounce back from a disappointing trip to South Africa. Their only win came against a ten-man German side as they too exited at the group stage. However, with the likes of Nikola Žigić and Nemanja Vidić in their experienced ranks, they could be a good outside bet to top the group at [3.55].
Elsewhere in the group, Northern Ireland ([20.0]) haven't won in well over a year of football and will struggle to change that against the likes of Italy and Serbia.
The Italians and Serbians will have been disappointed to leave South Africa so early, but Slovenia ([9.2]) they were just happy to be there - despite losing to European minnows England. Slovenia should make the most of it though, because they probably won't be heading to Euro 2012.
We reckon Italy will top the group ahead of Serbia. What do you think? Let us know below...
Published: 1 Sep 2010
Leave a comment