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ITALY head into Saturday night’s clash as Sky Bet’s slight favourites as they look to justify their status at the head of the betting to win Group D.In the closest to call of the eight groups, England are considered third in the betting at 2/1 to qualify in pole position, with Cesare Prandelli’s men leading the market at 13/8.
However, relatively modest expectations are placed on both nations in Brazil at 25/1 apiece in the outright odds, with the hosts and Argentina the favourites.
Mario Balotelli is considered the biggest threat to Roy Hodgson’s backline at 5/1 to break the deadlock followed by Ciro Immobile, who netted a hat-trick in their final warm-up game against Fluminense.
Wayne Rooney heads the betting on England’s side of the market at 11/2 with strike partner Daniel Sturridge slightly longer at 13/2.
Plenty will be expecting a tight affair for such a crucial opening game, with the draw odds slightly shorter than usual and over 2.5 goals odds-against.
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