2019 Women’s World Cup betting preview – Australia vs Italy

Australia	$1.67 at Sportsbet
Draw	$4 at Sportsbet
Italy	$5 at Sportsbet

The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off this Friday in Paris, but Australia and Italy must wait until Sunday lunchtime (9pm AEST) for their clash in Valenciennes.

There is plenty of buzz around the Matildas, who share a $13 quote with Japan and the Netherlands in the outright betting at Sportsbet.com.au.

That price might be shorter if they had not lost each of their last three warm-up games, conceding 11 goals in the process.

The fallout from Alen Stajcic’s controversial axing as head coach has also cast a cloud over preparations, but even that hasn’t dulled expectations within the Aussie camp.

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The Matildas have reached the quarter-finals at three consecutive World Cups and will have their sights on the last four and beyond at France 2019.

It is a very different situation for Italy, who are playing in their first World Cup finals tournament since they exited in the group stage at USA 1999.

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The Azzurre finished top of their group in UEFA qualifying with seven wins from eight games, yet they are $51 outsiders in the Women’s World Cup title betting.

Milena Bertolini’s ladies are unbeaten in nine games this year and may fancy their chances against an Aussie outfit in ordinary form.

Sam Kerr World Cup betting specials

• Anytime goalscorer – $2.20 at Sportsbet
• First goalscorer – $5
• Two or more goals – $7.50
• To score a hat-trick – $36

Sam Kerr is the face of the Matildas and one of the players to watch at France 2019. That status is reflected in the World Cup futures odds at Sportsbet, where she is paying $8 for the Golden Boot and $9.50 to win Player of the Tournament – both good bets, in our book.

Australia vs Italy betting predictions

• Over 2.5 total goals – $1.66 at Sportsbet
• Australia half-time/Australia full-time – $2.40
• Australia win/both teams score – $3.10

If we look at form alone, Italy have a real chance to spring an upset. But Australia’s class is obvious and their recent World Cup record is excellent, so it is very tough to bet against them on the back of some shaky warm-up games. Although the Matildas should win, don’t be surprised if they ship a goal or two.