[bostonbruins]

I'm torn between Italy -0.5 and the Over 2.5 , I like Italy to win but it seems too expected. Egypt has nothing to lose as big underdogs and they have the ability to score. The over looks too easy as well, maybe that's the problem. Who has some more info, I'm leaning toward Italy -0.5. I can't see Italy conceding more than 1 goal , and I am assuming they want to win here and not settle for a draw. The Brazil/Egypt scares me a little, but I just don't see Egypt having back to back close games with top tier opponents..


So what's the better play?

Italy -0.5
Over 2.5

[ansiktsburk]

Italy should win this, they'll want to top the group and avoid Spain. They also have an organised defence and an attack that generally lacks potency, so I wouldn't expect a goalscoring bonanza. To me, Italy winning seems like the safe(r) bet.

[Dark Horse]

Italy is not that interested in this tournament. This Cup is pointless in soccer land. Now, after a full season in Serie A (or elsewhere) they can't even have a summer off between Euro and World Cups? We have already seen their lackluster approach in their past two games (a 4-3 friendly against New Zealand, and an inflated 3-1 against a poor US team with ten man)

Meanwhile, Egypt takes a very different approach. A chance to beat the reigning world champs. Egypt is the African champion. The game is in Africa. Italy, if anything, will be content with a tie. The one thing working in their favor is that Egypt may open it up too much, because they lost their first game (3-4 to Brazil in injury time). This will allow Italy to do what they like best; sit back and strike out of nowhere.

But I have to go with the intensity displayed on the pitch so far, and my impression that Italy is mostly here to 'feel out' South Africa (including the bordellos), for next year. So I'm taking Egypt +0.5. Even though, as a soccer great once said, "Italians can't beat you, but you can lose to them".

[Wilforth]

Italy -0.5
Egypt has no hiding place anymore. They won't be underrated by the Italians.

[headgames]

Even though I agree this isn't a competition of much worth for Italians, I still think the bet here is an Italy win but just 1 or 2 goals in the game, so -0.5 and under 2.5.

[sportsguy04]

Italy wins.

I was about to put in my play of Italy -.5 (-160) but it went to -1 (+100) so I grabbed -1.

Italy -1.

Italy wins 2-1 I think. Probably a push but hopefully they can muster up a 3rd goal.

[Dark Horse]

We'll see. Remember that Italy, even in the World Cup, takes a long time to gel and will tie a large number of first round games.

[sportsguy04]

We'll see. Remember that Italy, even in the World Cup, takes a long time to gel and will tie a large number of first round games.

Yup they take a game to get started in tournaments. I really like the lineup tonight. Italy should get 2-3 goals and I cant see Egypt scoring more then 1 goal with Cannavaro back in the lineup.

[MrMonkey]

Italia!!!

Their lineup today looks like their regulars except the forward line! N. Legrottalegre can't play defense on Juve let alone national team from what I've seen!

[PAPA CLEM]

My picks are a draw and under 2.5 didnt get it so ill be kick myself in the head later!!

[Dark Horse]

Egypt up... Great header.

[sportsguy04]

Sucks.

[PAPA CLEM]

That was a great header ...... Still like the draw wont be surprise with the upset at all. I really like the draw now!

[sportsguy04]

Yup Im not counting Italy -1 out yet.

Game will still be 1-1 or 2-1 Italy.

Egypt wont win.

[xxxvince]

egypt won 1-0, i am from the future, trust me

[Dark Horse]

Egypt has a good sub, if their striker (hamstring?) can't make it all the way.

'Mido'. At least, I think he's there... lol

[sportsguy04]

egypt won 1-0, i am from the future, trust me

Id put money on that if it was a prop stating this game would end 1-0, I would say it would not end 1-0.

[sportsguy04]

Egypt has a good sub, if their striker (hamstring?) can't make it all the way.

'Mido'. At least, I think he's there... lol

Yeah Italy has a guy to, Toni... lol

[sportsguy04]

haha Gattuso and his whitie tighties...

[dwest718]

Neither Mido nor Moteab are on this Egypt squad. They are missing 3 of their 4 best strikers and still outplaying the best squads in the world.

And Toni has never shown anything on the national level. He's scored goals sure but never takes over the game like the greats do. Does great things at club level but is kind of like Emile Heskey for me.

[sportsguy04]

Iuaqinta get his ass out of there for not finishing 1v1.

[Dark Horse]

Yeah Italy has a guy to, Toni... lol

The most clumsy striker in the national team ever?

I don't think Mido is there. Would have liked to see him.

[sportsguy04]

How many more chances does Italy need to finish?

Italy shots -14
Egypt -3

1-0 egypt.

[sportsguy04]

Its official:

Iuaqinta has Egypt +1

[Dark Horse]

Terrible second half by both teams. What a mess.

[sportsguy04]

This game should honstly be 3-1 Italy right now.

[xxxvince]

i am sure all the sportsbook loving this score

[xxxvince]

i think egypt has wasted more than 15 mins in this quarter faking injuries and having players down

[PAPA CLEM]

Thats all she wrote .............. That crossbar .......... No way italy ties this game 1-0 bank it!

[xxxvince]

fk i lost 2 bucks on italians and 5 on fking over.. damn

[Dark Horse]

Italy doesn't care. There will be some criticism in the Italian press, but if they tie with Brazil they end with a honorable result and can finally enjoy a few weeks holiday.