Italy - Republic of Ireland Betting Preview: Prandelli's men to strike early in quest for vital win

Jun 18, 2012 8:40:00 AM

The Boys in Green were the first team to suffer elimination from Euro 2012, and Al Hain-Cole expects their misery to be compounded early against the Azzurri

After disappointing performances against Croatia and Spain, the Republic of Ireland face Italy in their final Group C game with only pride at stake.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s men suffered the ignominy of becoming the first team to be knocked out of Euro 2012, but a good result against the 2006 world champions would allow them to return home from Poland with their heads held high.

Ireland are actually unbeaten in their last three games against Italy, but are rank outsiders at 9/1 (10.00) with Paddy Power to win this one.

Unlike their opponents, the Azzurri still have everything left to play for, and require nothing less than a win to take them through to the quarter-finals.

With odds of 1/3 (1.33) in their favour, few expect this to be a problem, and most Italians are more concerned about the prospect of a high-scoring draw in the other Group C tie sending their side home.

Trapattoni will no doubt call on all of his vast experience to try and frustrate his home country, and would be delighted if his team managed a draw at odds of 9/2 (5.50).

Ireland’s downfall in this tournament has been a proliferation of uncharacteristic defensive errors, with the Boys in Green finding themselves a goal behind inside the first five minutes in both of their matches so far.

With Italy obliged to go for broke in search of victory, another early goal seems likely, and you can back one going in before the 25th minute at odds of 10/11 (1.91).

If Cesare Prandelli’s side were to grab an early goal, then you feel that their superior quality would allow them to comfortably see the game out against a tiring Irish defence.

In that case, they could well follow Croatia and Spain’s lead by winning both halves against Ireland, with odds available at 15/8 (2.88).

It is also worth bearing in mind that if there are 4 or more goals, Paddy Power refund all losing First Goalscorer, Last Goalscorer, Correct Score & Scorecast singles on the match.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Goal up to and including 24th minute at 10/11 (1.91) with Paddy Power

Italy to win both halves at 15/8 (2.88) with Paddy Power

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Al Hain-Cole is a Liverpool fan, experienced tipster and avid follower of European football. He specialises in accumulators and if you would like to read more from Al you can follow him on Twitter here.

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