UEFA Under21
2013-06-18 - Italy Under 21 vs Spain Under 21
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: Under 21 European Championship 2013
Tuesday 18 June 2013 - Kick Off 5pm
This game is live on TV
Preview
Arguably the two best teams in the Under 21 European Championship in Israel will be contesting the Final on Tuesday afternoon and it is no surprise that Spain Under 21 are the clear favourites. They will be facing Italy Under 21 in the Final that most would have expected at the beginning of the tournament and both sides are unbeaten ahead of this contest.
Italy came through the tougher of the Semi Finals when they weathered an early Netherlands onslaught to win that game 1-0. That followed them being place in the easier of the two Groups where they beat England and Israel before a draw with Norway in the final game of the Group.
On the other hand, Spain dismissed the Norwegian challenge in the Semi Final with a comfortable 3-0 win, although two of those goals came in the final minutes as Norway were forced to push forward. That result also means Spain have become the first side to reach the Final in this tournament without conceding a goal since the Group stage was introduced in 2000.
Spain have also topped a tough looking Group ahead of Russia, Germany and the Netherlands, and the team have scored 8 goals in their four games.
The Spanish are unbeaten in 25 games at this level as they look to win back to back Championships as the senior team did at the European Championship level. They are happy with the tag of favourites ahead of this game and know they can play as a 'united team' that can cause Italy problems.
It is likely that Italy will look to play in a similar manner to how they defeated Holland. On that day, Italy made sure they didn't leave to many gaps to exploit at the back, while also showing some threat with their counter attack and will look to use a similar tactic in this one.
Devis Mangia is happy to see Spain as the favourites as he believes that will take away some of the pressure on his Italian side. He is also confident that Italy can win this game as long as they can take advantage of the counter attacks that come their way, but they are also aware of the qualities that Spain have.
Italy were beaten 1-3 by Spain in a friendly in November, but they are unbeaten in their last 3 matches against Spain in this tournament.
Prediction
Spain have looked the best team in the tournament and they have the experience in the squad having won this tournament with a lot of the same players a couple of years ago.
I have a lot of respect for this Italy team too, but Spain have been good to me throughout the tournament and I expect them to wrap up the win and take the title home once again.
The Pick :
Italy U-21 1-2 Spain U-21
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Spain Under 21 @ 1.80 (Paddy Power)
