As one of the players for Italy, we have all left and gone to South Africa by flying on an airplane and are going to arrive on June 9, 2010. It’s going to be a long travel but worth it, to be South Africa to play in the World Cup. Our hotel is going to be in Cape Town, South Africa. From what I have seen, this must be a beautiful place to be in, and was named the most beautiful places in the world. Also another great thing that I have noticed is that this is an amazing place to be in with all the beaches and it just seems like a nice place to be after a long probably very difficult day of soccer. Even though South Africa is a very nice place to be, there is nothing like my home of Italy, where we are much like South Africa in the way that we both have nothing much ocean, but what I don’t like is that here, it tends to be hot as to Italy were its more of a tropical climate. As for the people they people I hope they are going to be as accepting as we were back in 1990. As for that, I am looking very forward to our first game which is going to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, the same place we are staying, on June 14 against Paraguay, which I am not only hoping, but knowing that we are going to beat them.

As a player for Italy, I have seen our players firsthand and I am thoroughly confident in their abilities to win it all. Although we are not favorites, we work hard at practice everyday, and our team is truly together. We all support each other and know what goal we are working toward. Our country loves us, Italians are well-known soccer fans. We have lots of support and dedicated fans who give us the motivation to win. I have many expectations for South Africa. I know it is a poorer country, and the World Cup will bring lots of money to the region. Hopefully it will help kick-start South Africa’s move out of depression. I have heard all about the different stadiums, 10 in all. They all seem extremely large and nice. I have never seen any of the stadiums in person, but I am sure it will be everything and more. If we win the world cup, I know it will be the best moment of my life. Getting the chance to represent your country in a tournament like this is incredible and humbling. I have worked hard at my goals my entire life and my one dream has been to win the world cup. If we don't win, although it will be disappointing, it will still be an unforgettable experience, and we will go back to Italy and fortify another solid team for the 2014 cup. Win or lose, Italy will be a force to be reckoned with.

Grace Pelc

Predictions:
Italy has a very good chance going into the world cup. Italy's chances to making it to the second round is 84.3% and a 43% chance of getting into the quarter-finals. Their chances get lower as we enter into the semi-finals (17.6% chance) and finals (8.7% chance). According to the Castrol FIFA World Cup Predictor there is a 3.6% chance of Italy winning the world cup. Although this may see small, compared to New Zealand at 0.0% chance, we are in the running! If Italy qualifies first in their group there is a 22.1% chance they will play Brazil in the finals. If this happens there is a chance that they could win considering Brazil is yet to win.

About a Goalie:
Gianluigi Buffon (Goal Keeper)-*Started at the age of 13. *Has played for both Parma (1995-2001, and Juventus (2001-Present) *Considered one of the best goal keepers in the world. *Has been awarded 4 awards and 3 personal honours.

My Opinion:
Knowing this information, and that Italy has won before (in 2006 crowned FIFA World Cup Champions), I think that Italy has a pretty good chance of winning. Gianluigi Buffon seems as though he is a very good goal keeper, there for will probably be able to bring his team to a win or two. I looked through a couple more of there players, like Fabio Cannavaro (defensive player) and I feel as if is a good defender. The only bad thing about him is that fans dont seem to like him very much, we will just have to see what he has in store for us.