Which team has the best chance of winning the FIFA World Cup 2018?

#9 Italy

Italy did not have the best qualifying campaign, mainly because of the one match that exposed its flaws, a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Spain in August. Italy has regularly been lauded for its defending, with incredible displays in Euro 2016 against Spain and Germany. With the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, and Andre Barzagli marshalling its defence, there is no doubt about its quality at the back. With either Gianluigi Buffon or Gianluigi Donnarumma likely to be the keeper, there are no problems in that position as well. But the aforementioned defeat to Spain exposed the chinks in the midfield. They were regularly outnumbered by Spain's midfielders and that is crucial to their philosophy of defending deep.

1 - Donnarumma is the goalkeeper with more saves in Italy (all comps.) the last season as AC Milan player (162 in 41 games). Madridista? pic.twitter.com/A96m8z16Pj

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) June 15, 2017

The intelligent Marco Verratti is the lynchpin in the midfield, but he needs able supporters in the middle of the park to break up opposition attacks and start attacks for themselves. The attack has enough firepower to put away chances in the final third with Ciro Immobile (11 goals at one goal/64 mins this season), Andrea Belotti and Lorenzo Insigne forming a deadly front three. Italy make it above Portugal due to their experience in big competitions and a formidable backline.

Defence: 9/10

Midfield: 6/10

Attack: 7/10

Key Players: Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Marco Verratti, Ciro Immobile

Italy Football Team