Euro 2008
2008-06-17 - France vs Italy
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
France
All the critics of the French national side that said they relied too much on the raw talent of Zinedine Zidane could be smiling after seeing France draw with Romania and then get thumped by Holland, leaving them in a position where their destiny is no longer controlled by themselves.
The French were poor against Romania in their opening game, barely registering a chance or shots on goal. However, their performance against the Dutch was even worse, especially in defence, and they were comprehensively beaten 4-1. That result ensured that one, or both, of the World Cup Finalists of 2 years ago will be leaving this competition.
France are still feeling like they can make the next stage as they are keeping faith with Holland to not allow Romania an easy passage. France need to beat Italy and hope Romania fail to beat Holland.
Patrick Vieira has a chance of making this must win game after missing the first 2 games with his thigh injury. William Gallas missed a weekend training session but should still play.
Italy
Italy have suffered some bad luck in obtaining only 1 point from their 2 games and were a penalty kick from going out of the competition. They know a score draw from this game will be enough to qualify as long as Holland can do them a favour and beat Romania. If Romania gain a draw, Italy will have to win this match.
Italy's opening defeat to Holland could have been all so different with a couple of incidents going their way. The 0-3 reverse really did not reflect the balance of play. Against Romania, Italy had a goal ruled out for offside when it seemed Luca Toni was actually onside and they deserved 3 points. However, a Buffon penalty save from Mutu prevented an early exit.
The Italian players and officials, as well as the press back home, are adament that they believe in Holland and particularly Marco Van Basten to do the right thing and win the game against Romania. Roberto Donadoni is focusing fully on gaining the 3 points against France, believing that will be good enough to qualify for a mouth watering tie with Spain in the Quarter Finals.
Italy have no injury concerns and will pick from a fully fit squad.
Head to Head
Italy and France have met 3 times in the last 2 years, all in competitive games, and so far Italy are yet to record a victory within 90 minutes. France won their home game in the qualifying campaign over Italy 3-1, and the other 2 games were draws after 90 minutes, once in the World Cup Final in Germany, and once in Italy.
Italy will have to fight against history if they are to win this game as they have failed to beat France since the World Cup in Argentina in 1978. There have been 9 games since that match between the nations and France have won 4 while the others have all been draws after 90 minutes. 2 of those draws after 90 minutes saw France win overall, while Italy won the big one in the World Cup Final 2006 on a penalty shoot out.
Prediction
These 2 nations have a lot of dislike for one another, and the winner of the match will surely enjoy knocking out their old rivals.
The 2 sides have contrasting abilities, with the Italians looking weak at the back without Cannavaro, and the French looking a little pedestrian up front, even with the talent at their disposal.
Both nations were torn apart by the counter attacks launched by the Dutch, while Italy looked better against Romania than the French did.
I think Italy have enough in them to win the game, their first in 10 against the French, because I feel France are employing all the wrong tactics and are playing a system that would have worked with Zidane in the side, but doesnt now as no one can pick up his mantel.
I think the Italians will win, but be careful if Romania find themselves 2 goals down at any point to Holland as the Italians could settle for a score draw at that point to qualify.
The Pick :
France 1-2 Italy (Possible 1-1)
BEST BETTING TIP :
Italy WINCorrect Score Saver 1-1
