Italy 13/8 (Paddy Power) - Draw 15/8 (Sky Bet) - France 23/10 (Total Bet)
After a month of viewing some sublime and agonising football, we have finally reached the final of the 2006 World Cup. It will be the first all European final since 1982 where Italy beat Germany 3-1 at the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.
The two teams have played each other 32 times previously with Italy winning seventeen games compared to France's seven. But Italy has not enjoyed a victory over the French since 1978. The last meeting between the two nations was six years ago at the European Championships final, where the French were victorious with a 2-1 victory.
Italian defender Alessandro Nesta has lost his battle to regain fitness in time for the final. He has not been able to recover from a groin injury he ungratefully received in the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic. Other than Nesta, Italy have a full bill of health.
It is an end of an era for two of the French players in Berlin tonight. Zinedine Zidane and Lillian Thuram have decided to hang up their international footballing boots after the final, and what a great swansong for the pair if they were to lift the World Cup. France has no injury worries or suspensions.
On paper this game should be a closely fought contest, which will make intriguing viewing. Italy are slight favourites according to the bookmakers, but the French have had the tougher route to the final after beating Spain, Brazil and Portugal. For the French to bag a third successive 1-0 win the odds are 6/1 with
After a ten year period of inconsistency and bad fortune, Italy look like they have reaffirmed their position of one of the world's best teams. To confirm they are back to their best they need to win the match this evening. For a 1-0 win the odds are 5/1 with
Both teams have been known to take a one goal lead and hang on until the final whistle. With these tactics it is very possible for a draw to occur, which will mean extra time will occur in the final for the first time since 1994. For a 0-0 draw you can get 5/1 with
There has only ever been one World Cup final decided on penalties, which was at USA 94 where Brazil succeeded over Italy in the shootout thanks to Roberto Baggio who ballooned the ball over the bar. For Italy to lose the match in the cruellest way possible yet again, you can get odds of 15/2 with Sky Bet for the French to win on penalties. However for Italy to overcome the burden from twelve years ago you can get odds of 15/2 with Bet Direct to win on penalties.
My Prediction - France to win 1-0 with Zidane scoring the goal at 40/1 with Paddy Power.
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