Italy vs Croatia
Italy were impressive as they managed to thwart the reigning European and World Champions on Sunday, and they will need to repeat their showing against a good Croatia side if they are going to put themselves in the driving seat to progress out of Group C. Cesare Prandelli's 3-5-2 selection, with Daniele De Rossi occupying the libero role, worked as Italy neutralised the threat of the Spanish midfield, whilst dealing comfortably with anything in the box due to the Spanish's lack of a real number nine in the box. Pre tournament I fancied a shock here; however now I'm not so sure.
| De Rossi to score from the libero position - 10/1 with ToteSport |
Croatia and Mario Mandzukic in particular had too much for an average Ireland; however they'll have to find another level of performance if they are to repeat their result against a strong Italy. Luka Modric in the midfield was at his imperious best as he dictated the game, and if his Croatia side can win, then they'll progress to the knock out round.
| Luka Modric 9/1 with Boylesports to be man of the match! |
Prediction: Italy 1 Croatia 1 - 11/2 with BlueSquare - Returns of £32.50
My three top tips:
Draw - 9/4 with Skybet - Returns of £16.25
Antonio Cassano anytime goalscorer, 9/2 with SportingBet - Lose a fiver
Over 1.5 goals - 1/2 with StanJames - Returns of £7.50
Game returns of £51.25
Spain vs Ireland
Much was made about the exclusion of a real striker for Spain in their starting XI against Italy; however they still dominated possession and missed some late chances to steal a victory. Fernando Torres came off the bench and despite missing some presentable opportunities, his presence alone was enough to create chances as he took advantage of the tired legs in the Italian defence. Whether he'll start against Ireland is to be seen; however it shouldn't matter.
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| Fabregas to score anytime - 5/2 with SportingBet |
Ireland were put the sword in their opener, and their chances are progression incredibly slim. With Spain and Italy to come, little is expected of Giovanni Trapattoni's side which could work in their favour. Despite their poor showing against Croatia, there isn't expected to be wholesale changes in their starting XI; with many fans wanting to see James McLean get the nod.
| Given to be man of the match - 14/1 with bet365 |
Unfortunately for Ireland I can only see one result here and that is a routine Spain victory.
Prediction: Spain 3 Ireland 0 - 7/1 with Coral - Lose a fiver
My three top tips:
Fernando Torres anytime goalscorer - 11/8 with Ladbrokes - Returns of £11.88
Both sides to score No - 59/100 with Betfair - Returns of £7.95
Over 3.5 goals - 9/4 with William Hill - Returns of £16.25
Game returns of £31.08
Day returns of £82.33
Tournament returns of £137.78
*An accumulator of Italy Croatia draw and Spain is 3.06/1
*An accumulator of Italy 1-1 Croatia and Spain 3-0 is 41/1
*All accumulator odds are given via Skybet
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