WE CAN DEFINITELY RULE OUT ITALY...

SOME national stereotypes have stood the test of time for football punters.

Italian players think straining to win by more than two goals is a bit vulgar. Germans don’t know the meaning of the word.

The World Champions kick off their defence against Mexico today (4pm, BBC1) in a weak group, after bagging an astonishing 4.3 goals per game to qualify for Russia.

This will be tighter, with Mexico on the go-slow. Take 10/11 (Lads, Coral) NO ‘both teams to score’.

Brazil-switzerland (7pm, ITV) might be more of a drudge than you’d hope too.

The Swiss are accomplished spoilers, but trust can-opener king Phillipe Coutinho (right) to score anytime at 15/8 (Paddy).