The Contenders · Nation to Glory
Take Italy to Glory
“defensive artists”
Italy — defensive artists. Masters of suffering elegantly. The bookmakers file them under 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
- Buffon, but allegedly younger in goal · Maldini, but he visibly sweats at the back · Pirlo, but he breaks into a jog in midfield · Vieri, but he presses up front
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