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This report concludes that the world economy will benefit most from an Italian victory at the 2006 World Cup. Although direct economic impact of the World Cup (higher sales in bars and cafes) is marginal, good performances on the pitch can certainly stimulate an economy. In the past, countries winning the World Cup added around 0.7% to their economic growth. For the last three tournaments, the winning country's stock market considerably outperformed the losing finalist's market. On average there was 10% positive effect in the winner's and a 25% negative effect in the loser's. The authors believe that the best final for the global economy would be between Germany and Italy, with Italy lifting the World Cup.

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