Euro 2012
2012-06-18 - Italy vs Republic of Ireland
A Sports Betting Pick by ROzsolt
Football : Euro 2012 Group C
Venue: Municipal Stadium Poznan, Poznan
Monday 18th June – Kickoff time: 20:45 GMT+1
Italy
Italy have to win and hope the Croatia-Spain game does not finish in a draw of 2-2 or more. If the other game finishes 1-1 they must win by 3-1 or better to finish above Croatia.
Andrea Pirlo put Italy in front at the end of the first half against Croatia with a superb free kick, but Mandzukic exploited an error from Chiellini and earned his side a point late on.
It was Italy’s second 1-1 draw in group C which means that they are now six games without a win in a major final tournament, their worst run in history.
Andrea Barzagli recovered from a thigh injury and could take his place in the Azzurri’s three man defense, which would allow De Rossi to play in his usual position in midfield.
Probable Italy line-up :
Buffon
Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini
Maggio, De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio, Giaccherini
Di Natale, Balotelli
Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland is already eliminated from the European Championshop, having lost their opening two games against Croatia and Spain respectively.
Giovanni Trapattoni’s men could still avoid finishing third with a victory against Italy, but there are not many who would back them after their poor performances in their previous games in this group.
Ireland came into this competition as the team that have never conceded three goals in a game at a major tournament and they conceded 7 goals in their opening two games which is a clear indicator that they are not at the same level with the rest of the teams from this group.
Probable Ireland line-up :
Given
O'Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward
Duff, Andrews, Whelan, McGeady
Keane, Long
The Betting Verdict
Republic of Ireland will try to salvage some pride in their final match at Euro 2012, but from what I’ve seen they don’t have the means to pull off an upset here even if their sensational supporters would deserve to see one.
If Spain confirm their status and win against Croatia any victory will do it for Italy, but they can’t count on that so they may be forced to pile the pressure on Ireland, as goal difference could play an important role in this group.
A fully determined team will meet one that is already eliminated from the tournament which is already a solid argument for a positive result, so Italy that has the pedigree and superior player quality on their side should have no problems securing all three points against an Ireland side that has been disappointing so far.
The Pick :
Italy 2-0 Republic of Ireland
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
