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Euro Cup 2012 Final Spain vs. Italy Lines + Predictions

Germany vs Italy Euro Cup 2012 Betting Picks + Odds

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas came up big in Spain’s opening match against the Italians, firing in the tying goal in a 1-1 draw, which salvaged a point for the defending champions in a lively encounter in Gdansk.

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When: Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 2:45 PM EST
Where: Olympic Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine
TV: ESPN
Line: Spain (+110), Italy (+300), Draw (+210)

The draw ended Spain’s 14-match winning streak in competitive matches, and now sets up a rematch between the two sides who ousted group of death survivors Portugal and Germany in the semifinals earlier this week.

The Azzuri very effective with the ball in that first encounter, keeping Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas on his guard with quality scoring chances throughout the match. Outshooting the Spaniards in the first half.

Meanwhile, Spain tralinging by a goal, were only threatening sporadically. They never really applied the pressure needed to crack the Italians defense, until Andrés Iniesta flicked a pass through to David Silva, who sent the ball into the path of Fabregas who struck a crisp low shot underneath Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Both teams then had the chances to win the match, but could not get it done.

Italy then moved on to win one, and draw two, before a shocking 2-1 win on two first-half Mario Balotelli goals, defeating a stunned German side, while once and for all removing all doubt and proving that they deserve to be in this year’s finals.

The victory ended Germany’s 15-game winning streak in the semifinals.

La Roja on the other hand, dominated their next three opponents, outscoring them by a combined 7-1, until they ran into Portugal in the semifinals. [ad-3678122]

The Portuguese took Spain to the brink before losing a nil-nil draw in a 4-2 penalty shot showdown that kept Spain’s dream of a unique treble alive.

The man who scored the decisive penalty that night: Fabregas.

I guess that means the Italians will need to keep a lock on Fabregas, and that task will likely belong to Daniele De Rossi, who after having been deployed at the heart of a three-man defense in Italy’s first two games, was returned to his preferred role in central midfield.

The 28-year-old helped set the tone for the 2-1 victory over Germany in Warsaw, but will likely settle back into a defensive posture in the match with La Roja.

When all is said and done, this match will hinge on one deciding goal.

Matt’s Free Pick– Italy– La Nazzionale, like Spain has yet to lose in this tournament, setting up quite possibly the best Euro 2012 Final the world has seen in quite a while. And while I am impressed with Spain’s play and resilience, I am more awed with the Italians impressive defeat of Germany.

Italy outplayed Spain in the opener, but could not hang on for the win. This time I expect them to put it away.

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By Cappers Picks

Articles on CappersPicks.com are written by Q (the Head Honcho) at Cappers Picks or by our resident "in house" handicapper Razor Ray Monohan! Enjoy the free picks folks! "Pad that bankroll one day at a time!"