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England and Italy go head to head on Sunday evening in the last quarter-final of Euro 2012. Both sides have been impressive in the group stages and will now fancy their chances of going all the way.
Looking at England to begin with, they topped their group comfortably in the end, taking seven points and remaining unbeaten.
Roy Hodgson’s men were 1-0 winners against Ukraine last time out and did well not to let the big occasion and hostile atmosphere phase them.
The Three Lions rode their luck at times but when Wayne Rooney got the all important winner they looked a lot more relaxed and may feel as though they should have scored more.
Rooney coming back into the side was a massive boost for Hodgson and his squad and they now need the striker to keep improving to give them a chance of going far in the tournament.
Captain Steven Gerrard has been fantastic so far in Euro 2012. He has made England tick and provided three assists.
As for Italy, they did well to progress from such a difficult group and they also remained unbeaten.
Claudio Prandelli’s men play a more exciting brand of football to previous Italian sides but still rely on a solid defence and being difficult to beat.
Andrea Pirlo has been Italy’s best player in the competition so far. He has brought other players into the game with his superb array of passing.
Pirlo has also scored a great free-kick. The 33-year-old could be a key player in this encounter.
Prandelli’s has a squad full of experience and then the youth of people like Mario Balotelli so look to have a good balance in the side. Balotelli came on to score last time out against Ireland and will be hopeful of returning to the starting eleven against England.
Match Odds
This looks to be a game between two sides that are very evenly matched but Italy are the slight favourites with odds 2.80 (9/10) with BoyleSports.
England will know it will be a tough task to win the match inside 90 minutes. You can back them at 2.90 (19/10) with VC Bet.
First Goal-Scorer
After his goal last time out it is no surprise that Wayne Rooney is the favourite to break the deadlock. He is being offered at 7.00 (6/1) with BWIN.
Mario Balotelli and Antonio Di Natale look to be Italy’s best chances of opening the scoring and they both have odds of 8/.50 (15/2) with Bet365.
Recommended Bet
This encounter has the makings of being a tight affair between two sides that pride themselves on a solid defence. England to win 1-0 can be backed at 7.50 (13/2) with Coral.span style=
