World Cup 2010 betting odds - Italy vs Paraguay

World Champions Italy begin the defence of their crown today in Cape Town as they face Paraguay in Group F. The Azzurri have faced criticism over their age and lack of proven goalscorers other than Antonio Di Natale and will have a chip on their shoulder this summer, much as they did four years ago following the infamous Italian match-fixing scandal.

Italy are favourites for tonight`s game at 5/4 (bet £40 to win £50 profit) with Canbet, leaving Paraguay as underdogs at 7/2 with Extrabet, with the draw at 9/4 with Ladbrokes.

Both sides will be very keen to improve on their recent form but the favourites will be particularly worried after failing to beat any of Cameroon, Mexico or Switzerland in their last three matches and scoring only three times in their last five games.

Paraguay have only two wins in their last eight but can take heart from 2-0 win over Greece last time out, although Greece`s hapless performance against South Korea on Saturday does slightly take away from that achievement.

Today`s match look like it could be tight and low-scoring and a 1-0 win for Italy is joint-favourite with 1-1 at 11/2 in the correct score market. Paddy Power and William Hill  offer 8/1 on a more convincing 2-0 to the defending champions and a shock 1-0 win for Paraguay is 9/1 with stan James.

Antonio Di Natale has been made 6/1 (Stan James) joint favourite, along with Alberto Gilardino, to open the scoring tonight. The Udinese striker was top scorer in Serie A last season with 29 goals. For Paraguay, Lucas Barios and Roque Santa Cruz are seen as the most dangerous at 9/1, despite the latter making only three starts for his club last term.

Victor Chandler offer 11/4 that Italy lead tonight at both half-time and full-time and 9/2 that they win the match after drawing at half-time. Stan James are best price on draw/draw, going 4/1, while Paraguay are generally 7/1 to be in front at both the interval and the final whistle.

Marcelo Lippi`s side have not been many people`s pick to win the World Cup this year and they are now as long as 18/1 with Ladbrokes to retain their title and equal Brazil with five wins. Paraguay are 100/1 with Bet365 and Sportingbet.

Italy vs Paraguay betting odds

World Cup Golden Boot betting odds

World Cup winner betting odds

Other football betting previews

Claim up to £750 of free bookmaker bets