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Soccer

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.

Categories
Soccer

Euro Cup 2012 Free Picks – Spain vs. Italy Lines + Predictions

Italy vs Spain Euro Cup 2012 Betting Picks + Odds

Prior to their falter at the 2010 World Cup and the ensuing matches, this could quite possibly have been the match of the tournament. Instead, you have an Italy side going up against all odds when they face off with Spain on Sunday.

When: Sunday, June 10, 12:00 PM EST
Where: PGE Arena Gdansk
TV: ESPN
Line: Spain (-140), Italy +0.5 (+350), Draw (+255)

Spain comes into this match looking to be the first nation to win three major tournaments in succession, as they are defending European champions winning Euro 2008 as well as World Champions winning World Cup 2010. This is a side that ended 2011 with a bit of a flutter, but they have gotten everything going since the calendar turned.

The Spaniards are 4-0-0 in 2012. They have only conceded one time during that span, and that was during a 4-1 drubbing against South Korea. Their 2012 aggregate is 12-1. Pretty impressive and pretty discouraging for their upcoming competition as it seems they have things figured out.

It surly doesn’t leave much wiggle room for the Italians who much like Spain, finished the 2011 year on a bit of a downswing. The difference is that they have not found their way out of it yet.

They have however, come into this tournament with a balanced group after having transitioned into a youth movement after the train wreck that was their World Cup 2010.

Still, Italy has lost three matches in a row, on home soil and without netting a single goal. [ad-3678122]

I will be interesting to see how the always-controversial forward partnership of Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano will work together. If they can attract as much on field attention to their play as they do for off field distractions, they could very well led this hungry bunch of Italians out of the group stage.

Players to Watch:
Spain – Fernando Torres

Sure, this is not the same Torres from two-plus years ago that was destined for greatness at the top of this game. He is still an outstanding attacking threat though. He has recently started to pick things up for his club, and I am anxious to see whether he can carry his momentum through to his international play.

Italy – Gianluigi Buffon
There are a few players we could point out here, but against Spain, everything is going to start along the backline. Why not highlight the guy that has been in goal for Italy for what seems like an eternity. With over 100 caps under his belt, dating back all the way to 1998, if Italy are to right the ship, it will begin with Buffon.

Matt’s Free Pick– Italy–This is one match that is difficult to call. However, just from a betting perspective, I have to go with Italy against the spread. This will be tighter encounter than most are expecting as all opening round matches seem to be a little cagey.

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