Defending World Champions Italy host Cyprus tonight in the final round of qualifiers for next year’s world cup finals. The Azzurri have already qualified after drawing 2-2 in Ireland at the weekend. Cyprus, however, cannot even make the play-offs despite beating Bulgaria 4-1 at home in their last game.
Italy go into the match as heavy favourites at 2/7. Cyprus, who have never qualified for the World Cup, are big underdogs and are priced at 14/1. The draw is priced at 9/2. Last time the sides met was in September 2008 and Italy needed a last minute goal from Antonio Di Natale to beat Cyprus 2-1.
The bookies have made 2-0 to Italy the most likely result at 11/2, followed by 1-0 at 6/1 and 3-0 at 8/1. Another 2-1 to the hosts is 10/1. A goal-less draw is priced at 14/1 and 1-1 is 11/1. A 1-0 win for minnows Cyprus is as big as 25/1 and a shock 2-0 triumph for the visitors is 90/1.
Udinese’s Anotnio Di Natale is joint-favourite favourite to open the scoring tonight at 4/1 along with Fiorentina’s Alberto Gilardino. Next are Vincenzo Iaquinta and Giuseppe Rossi who are both at 9/2. Yiannis Okkas represents Cyprus’ best chance to score the first goal, at 12/1. The captain has scored against quality opposition before, most notably against France during the qualifying stages for Euro 2004.
In the half-time/full-time market, Italy are priced at 5/6 to be winning at half-time and full-time. Draw/Italy, as in the last meeting, is 4/1 and draw/draw is 17/2. The Azzurri are 28/1 to be leading at half-time but fail to hold on and draw at full-time, while the bookies give 29/1 that Cyprus can win at full-time after drawing at half-time.
The gulf in class between the two sides tonight is undeniable. Italy have won the world cup four times, second only to Brazil, whereas Cyprus have never qualified for a major tournament. The hosts are 13/1 to win the tournament but may be complacent tonight without incentive and Cyprus will be hungry for an upset.
tags: 2010, azzuri, betting, buffon, cannavaro, cyprus, di natale, fabio, football, gilardino, goal, iaquinta, italy, luca, match, odds, pirlo, south africa, toni, totti, world cup
