Germany v Italy (7.45pm KO, Live on BBC1)
A fascinating clash and it’s the Italians who make most appeal from a betting perspective at 3.25 with bet365 and Betfred in the draw/no bet market.
The bookmakers heavily favour Germany, who boast the best attack at Euro 2012 with 9 goals scored, in the 90 minutes market and they are general 1.91 shots.
Italy, who have the second-best defence with just two goals conceded, are general 4.8 with Boylesports to get the job done in normal time, while the draw is on offer at a general 3.4.
As far as the stats are concerned it’s the Italians who hold the upper hand, and that makes the Germans worth taking on at odds-on.
The two sides have met 30 times in their history, with Italy leading by 14 wins to seven, with nine draws completing the record.
However when it comes to competitive games the Azzurri have never lost (3 wins, 4 draws) and are also unbeaten in their last 5 games against Germany – winning three and drawing twice.
Throw in the fact they have also failed to make it to the finals only in two of the 10 semi-final games they’ve played at major tournaments, and you can see why they are value in the draw/no bet market.
OK, they have had only two days to recover from their extra time marathon against England, but they didn’t look out on their legs and in Andrea Pirlo have a midfield magician who has been in irresistible form.
The 33-year-old playmaker completed 117 passes on Sunday, more than the combined tally of England’s four starting midfielders, and if Germany can’t find a way to snuff him out then I can see him pulling the strings and creating plenty of chances for the likes of Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano.
Balotelli, who missed a hatful of chances against England, is a 10 chance to net first with bet365, while Cassano is a 12 shot with the same firm.
Both look value, and split stakes looks the way to play.
If Cesare Prandelli’s side can get that all important opener then it’s hard to see them not being able to get at least a draw in 90 minutes despite Germany’s impressive record.
The Germans have have now won their last 15 competitive games, which is a new world record according to Uefa.
Joachim Loew’s side well organised, have a squad packed full of talent and a striker in Mario Gomez who is a potent force inside the box.
They are clearly going to be tough nuts to crack, but Italy will go into the game with the psychological advantage on previous meetings, and I think they are capable of upsetting the odds-on jollies.
At 2.88 with bet365 and Paddy Power to make the final they are definitely a bit of value compared to the 1.36 on offer about their opponents.
Man Utd News 24/7
My money as usual is up Admin’s ass……….. Going for Italy tonight, just for the sake of those hoping that Germany would win it
Forza Italy. All day and all night for that one. The Sicily Division will oust any Infidels today and every day on from here. You stay calm Cedars. Your day of reckoning awaits.
Brigadier19
My fellow commander in chief, I salute you……….Now we need us the Sicily division on full alert ahead of tonight, make sure Pirlo and co get their ‘special’ pasta…….The one that mama Don made last night…
Over and out
http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1582122_red-sun-rising-in-japan-after-shinji-kagawas-manchester-united-deal
Eagerly waiting to see him play for us.
Cedars.
You do realise that when they look under the pasta they see the wonderful sauce that mama Don make.
Pirlo will do us proud brother.
The Sicily division will look to branch out tonight with a potentially lucrative contract as security for the Mediterranean National Team.
I think Costas will have all the facts and details about this operation.
Confirmed News, this just IN
Me Jimmy James is now safely back in England……….Now due to the heat the bugger lost a couple of inches so now he stands proud at 4 foot………..Laugh at your peril
posting this here as well because ,well I can
have to laugh at the hating on Spain. anti football I hear. Really? England and Greece must have been irresistible.
have to laugh at Ronaldo too. an absolute mug. who wanted alp the glory, the winning penalty, do he hangs back waiting to the the savior when as captain he should have been in the top 3 takers. The guy plays for himself and expects everyone else to do the same.
kiss that world footballer of the year good bye Ronnie
Brigadier19
Costas is already signed on, the Greek side of things is secured…………Just need to get an Albanian agent
I’d rather spend them on a JJ flick.
@Cedars, Brigadier
So this is really happening?
Hello everyone I think germany will win tonite
Costas
It is indeed, of course it means that you would have to move to Sicily and then await orders!!
Boochy baby
How have you been? I have missed your sweet scent on here babe……….Of course I agree, I agree with anything you say my sugar babe
be interesting to see how purposes fares tonight. theres some tasty talent on show tonight. seeing an Italian job being conceived by the good fellas
@Cedars
I don’t mind that one bit. I always wondered what it was like.
*pirlo dammit!!!
Morning. Me included think Germany will walk this but you never write off Italy and they could surprise.
As for Spain, no not my cup of tea. Fucking get a shot off! They are on fucking drugs the way they keep going into extra time!
Well imprssed with Moutinho. Great engine, accurate passer and a ball winner. Complete.
Yeah Xavi like Silva looked burnt out to me. Silva was fucked at the end of last season and I have a feeling he could struggle next season.
How sick did fucking Torres look?
It will be a game of counter attack from both sides. And I think it italy will carry the bcos of there superb defense