WC is ever a particular race; it's end of the season and many guys are tired so sometimes it doesn't matter so much about your qualities but how "fresh" you're does count more imho.
Plus Pozzato is not slow at all, and if he aims at a race usually he does pretty good in there.
Let's see if the "squadra azzurra" bring Petacchi or Chicchi. Pozzatto would have to be in a decisive breakaway to win, if it comes down to a bunch sprint he would most likely end up being a leadout (if either of the aforementioned is present in the group).