Soccer: Italians by a nose, predict the experts

John Adshead

Former All Whites and Knights' coach

Prediction: France

Adshead believes the final is tough to pick, but expects young winger Franck Ribery to be the key factor behind the French success. "He has had such an influence for a young guy." Adshead says France are solid all over the park, but they will have to step up from Thursday's performance to beat Italy.

Brian Turner

All Whites assistant coach and former captain

Prediction: Italy

Turner believes the Azzurri will win their fourth World Cup as they have become progressively stronger as the tournament has progressed. He also believes that to win a World Cup you have to be brilliant defensively, and feels Italy have these attributes, as they have conceded only once all tournament. Turner has a few dollars ($200 at 4-1) on the Italians.

Danny Hay

All Whites captain

Prediction: France

Hay believes the final will be incredibly close as both sides are very strong defensively. Because of this, he believes the match will go to penalties and, because of Italy's horrible penalty history, the French will come out on top and win the World Cup. He also believes the French were written off before the tournament and this will give them that little extra.

Ricki Herbert

All Whites coach

Prediction: Italy

Like his assistant Brian Turner, Herbert believes Italy will come out on top after "sneaking under the radar" for much of the tournament. He believes the Italians know what is required to win and, with quality throughout the side, will just be too strong for the French. Whatever the result, most importantly Herbert hopes for an entertaining final.

Danny Milosevic

Knights goalkeeper

Prediction: Italy

Milosevic doesn't think there is much between the two sides, but believes Italy may just hold the edge in a close match. He says Italy have shown more consistency throughout the tournament, especially in defence, where they have managed to shut out most teams. The big goalkeeper believes if Italy are to lose, France will need another huge game from Zinedine Zidane.