18th Jun 2012 | Euro 2012
Italy v Rep of Ireland Tip
With an average rating of 9.39, he has been Italy's player of the tournament so far. And he's had the most shots on target.
It would probably be a surprise for many to learn that the Italian who’s had the most shots on target for his country in Euro 2012 is Claudio Marchisio. The Juventus midfielder is showing why he has just enjoyed comfortably his best goalscoring season in Serie A; at 9/2 (PaddyPower) to score anytime against Ireland, he is a bargain.
The 26-year-old has hit the target five times in the Azzurri’s opening two matches but he continues to slip under the bookies’ radar simply because he hasn’t beaten the keeper yet.
It’s certainly not that he isn’t playing well though. Marchisio topped the Castrol Edge Index ratings - an official measure of all-round performance - for the clashes with Spain and Croatia. To be recognised by UEFA as the leading performer on the pitch against the reigning champions is particularly impressive.
A particular highlight for the Turin man was when Iker Casillas was forced to pull off a fine save from his left-footed volley. Marchisio had a further three efforts on target against Croatia and surely it’s only a matter of time before he leaves his goalscoring mark on this tournament.
Against Irish opponents who have been defensively shambolic at times in Poland/Ukraine, this could be his moment.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 14:46 18th Jun, 2012 but subject to change
