9th Jun 2016 | Euro 2016
Euro 2016 Outright Tips: Italy e/w
Italy have a tough group but their defence could be the best in the competition based around 4 Juve legends. Clean sheets will give them a chance.
Traditionally, Italy are at their most dangerous when nobody gives them a chance and at best odds of 18/1 that certainly appears to be the case!
It is true than Antonio Conte lacks the wealth of attacking options that the favourites possess, but who, in truth, looks better defensively?
The strength of Juventus has probably been underrated over the last couple of years. Not only have they won Serie A five times on the bounce, but they also reached the Champions League final in 2015 and were cruelly beaten by Bayern this season.
This matters because Conte can base his defence around the Turin club’s titans - Buffon, Chiellini, Barzagli and Bonucci - who have well over 300 caps between them. With Thiago Motta sat in front of them, the Italians will be hard to break down.
Daniele De Rossi is hardly more attacking but the Roma general will dictate matters and he has scored 18 times for his country.
Up front is where the concerns lie. Hopes will initially rest with Graziano Pelle, which sounds questionable, but the Southampton striker is streaky and the notion of him as the new Toto Schillaci isn’t completely fanciful.
The Azzurri are masters of winning games by the odd goal and if the clean sheets keep coming they could really gather momentum. Back them each-way at 18/1 with Coral and get paid out at half odds if they lose in the final plus money back as a free bet if they are eliminated on penalties.
*Money Back after eliminated on penalties
Odds correct at time of publishing: 09:53 9th Jun, 2016 but subject to change
