The event, originally scheduled in May, was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak and has since seen Joao Almeida lead the overall standings through week one.
Speaking to Cycling Central’s Christophe Mallet and David McKenzie, White admitted the short turnaround from the Tour de France had left the Italian race wide open.
“This race is going to be won at the death,” White said.
“It’s not a very deep general classification group left. I think a lot of teams went very full-on in the Tour de France, with the mindset that maybe the Giro doesn’t go ahead.
“Some teams have come here with weaker teams than normal because they sent everybody to the Tour.
“I don’t see a team here that is strong enough to control the mountain stages day in, day out.
“I see some great riders and great leaders, but I don’t see a lot of strong teams around them.
“And if there’s any race that can dish up a surprise, it’s this one. If you get caught between groups on some of these mountain stages, you’re losing minutes, not seconds.
“If I was to pick a podium at the moment, I think (Vincenzo) Nibali is definitely the one to beat.”
The Australian also confirmed the impact inclement weather could have on the event’s outcome - aside from the virus' lingering presence.
“We could be up for some pretty feral weather and it will be very interesting to see what stages get run and if stages are adjusted,” he added.
“Knowing the Italians, the show will go on and it makes for some pretty exciting, epic racing in the last week.”
The Giro will continue on Tuesday night, with Stage 10 taking place between San Salvo and Tortoreto Lido.
