Game Preview: Italy vs. Bulgaria - World Cup Qualifying - September 6th, 2013

Italy are hosts to Bulgaria in the 7th round of FIFA World Cup qualifying in Group B. The match will be held at Stadio Renzo Barbera in Palermo on Friday, September 6th, 2013.

With four games to go in the group, Italy are in first place with 14 points and Bulgaria are in second place with 10 points, one point ahead of Czech Republic.

Around this time of last year, Bulgaria and Italy drew 2-2 in Sofia during the first round of the group stage. With the chance to participate in the World Cup in Brazil on the line, both teams are looking for a victory in the upcoming match.

Let's take a look at the odds:

Italy: 1/3
Draw: 15/4
Bulgaria: 9/1

The odds are heavily in favour of Italy winning at home. A bet of 100 € on the hosts could yield 33 € in profit, while the same bet on Bulgaria could yield 900 € in profit.

Italy are so far undefeated in Group B. They have had two victories over Malta, a victory over both Armenia and Denmark, and draws with Bulgaria and Czech Republic.

Bulgaria are also undefeated after six matches. They drew four times against Italy, Denmark (twice) and Czech Republic, and won against Armenia and Malta.

This is a big game for both nations. Can Bulgaria stage an upset in Palermo, or will they get run over by Pablo Osvaldo and company?

Mario Balotelli is the favourite to score for Italy at 1/1 (bet 100 € to profit 100 €), while Ivelin Popov is the favourite to score for Bulgaria at 4/1 (bet 100 € to profit 400 €).

The most likely outcomes on Friday, according to the odds, are 1-0 and 2-0 victories for the hosts, boh offered at 9/2 (bet 100 € to profit 450 €).

Let's see how this match plays out!