The Contenders · Nation to Glory
Take Italy to Glory
“defensive artists”
The press pack calls Italy masters of suffering elegantly, and files them as defensive artists. The bookmakers put them in the contenders at 16/1 – 40/1.
▶ Play as Italy
- The bookmakers
- The Contenders — 16/1 – 40/1
- The federation's target
- The quarter-finals
- Your spine, as your predecessor's notes describe it
- In goal, Buffon, but allegedly younger. At the back, Maldini, but he visibly sweats. Running midfield, Pirlo, but he breaks into a jog. Up front, Vieri, but he presses.
One World Cup, forty-odd decisions, no second leg. Pick the shape, name the squad, make the calls from the touchline, and see how far Italy can go. Free to play, one sitting, no sign-up.
▶ Play as Italy
The Favourites · 6/1 – 12/1
The Contenders · 16/1 – 40/1
The Dark Horses · 66/1 – 150/1
The Outsiders · 250/1 – 500/1
The Improbables · 1000/1 and drifting