Italy/Ghana 
My Pick: Italy
The Azzuri made heavy weight of qualification despite being in a relatively easy group. They managed to pip Norway to the playoffs after a tough campaign. Yet the talent they possess is enough to make any opponent coach sweat. Solid defenders, playmaking talent, natural goal scorers - you name it and they have it. Italian sides of the past few years have struggled to really get going at big tournaments. Memories of their defeat against Korea in the second round last time still rankles in the mind of many an Italian. Also at the back of the minds of the players will be the match fixing scandal which is rocking Italian football, and they will be keen to put up a good show in Germany.
With Gilardino, Luca Toni, Inzaghi, Iaquinta and Del Piero all fighting for places upfront it will be a tough decision for Lippi to make. All of these forwards can score at will and Lippi will think long and hard on his decision. Another decision is whether to play Cristian Zaccardo or Massimo Oddo at RB.
With Totti, the fulcrum of their attacking play not yet 100 % fit, Lippi may choose to start Del Piero. Nesta being declared fit is a big boost, as Italy already have the injuries of Gattuso and Zambrotta to cope with.
Ghana
With a FIFA ranking of 48, Ghana brace themselves to face European powerhouses Italy in their first ever World Cup game. The Ghanaians have one of the youngest
squads of the tournament. The Africans may not have the usual household names but have a more than decent squad with the likes of Michael Essien, ex Juve and Parma
man Stephen Appiah, Matthew Amoah and Gyan Asamoah leading the charge. The Ghanaians qualified comfortably losing just one game in the process but the World Cup
will be a completely different ballgame and the young team would love to prove their mettle on the bigger stage.
Injuries/Suspensions: The young team is fit and is carrying no niggles. A full 23 to choose from.
Goalscorers: Goals have to come from the strike partnership of Amoah and Asamoah. Essien and Appiah though can be dangerous too with their long range attampts.
My verdict:
On paper, Italy look odds-on favourites to thrash Ghana. But with Trinidad and Tobago taking points off Sweden, Ghana wont have to look far for any inspiration.
Also it would be very interesting to see if the match-fixing saga affects the Azzuri. It shouldn't, but one never knows. Back Marcelo Lippi's side to take all
3 points, but the game won't be a stroll in the park.
