Italy victory a good result for most bookies

Bookmakers reported decent profits following the Azzurri victory in the World Cup final, despite a large number of favourites winning the early games. Italy had been largely unfancied by big bettors following the match-fixing scandals hitting Serie A.

Italy had generally been 11.00 (10/1) shots in the run-up to the World Cup and are now 5.50 (9/2) favourites for Euro 2008. They are 9.00 (8/1) to win the World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

In what was one of the most entertaining finals of a major tournament for many years, the two sides were locked together at 1-1 after 90 minutes and there was no further score in extra time. The Italians showed plenty of nerve to score all five of their penalties and win 5-3, although the French did not take their fifth penalty as the result was already decided.

Zinedine Zidane, who was sent off in extra time for a headbut on Marco Materazzi, was voted winner of the Golden Ball. Votes were cast before the final and it is doubtful he would have won the award if the voters had known he would pick up a red card.

Germany`s Miroslav Klose won the Golden Boot; he has been a 25/1 shot before the start of World Cup 2006.

Check out all the betting at www.bookies.com:

Euro 2008 betting
World Cup 2010 betting