At first glance, the Italians should have a much easier way to the quarters than the rest of the teams.
As weakened as they seem, the Italians are still big favorites to win the group.
If they do that, in the 1/8 finals they'll get the 2nd placed team from group E and it's gonna be one of Holland, Denmark, Japan and Cameroon. If the Dutch win that group then DEN, JPN or CAM will stand in Italy's way to the quarters. None of them easy, but none of them world beaters either.
The pairs that will be given from Groups G and H are mouthwatering. If Spain win their group then they'll play against the second placed team from group G where Brazil, Ivory Coast and Portugal are. The Spaniards will again, just like in 2006, get a very tough opponent in the first knock out round.
It might even be Brazil-Spain in the 1st knock-out round.