Spain U-21 v Italy U-21 Betting: Azzurrini to prove early match for semi-final favourites

Spain were the first side in this tournament to make it through to the semi-finals following two comprehensive wins in their opening two games.

Results elsewhere also went their way meaning their final group game had nothing at stake although La Rojita still managed to record a 1-0 win over Serbia. The victory over the Serbians saw Spain coach Albert Celades rest his entire starting XI, and that could prove an important factor ahead of the last-four showdown with Italy.

The Italians, by contrast, had a tough final group match against Germany in which they knew only a win could see them progress and they duly obliged by recording a 1-0 victory. The Azzurrini, however, are clear outsiders for the semi-final with bet365 offering them at 4/1 (5.00) while Spain can be backed at 13/20 (1.65) and the draw is priced at 14/5 (3.80). 

Spain's impressive record in the competition has seen them score nine goals and concede just one in the three matches they have played. Italy, for their part, have scored five times and conceded three goals, although all three of those goals came in the defeat to the Czech Republic in their second group game.

It means Italy have kept two clean sheets, the same as Spain, and both sides will be looking to keep things tight.

Under 2.5 goals in the game is priced at 17/20 (1.85) but perhaps of more interest is backing no goal to be scored before the 29th minute at 5/6 (1.83). None of the five goals Italy have scored in the tournament have come before 29 minutes and while they will be trying to pull off an upset and win, Luigi Di Biagio's men will surely be more focused on trying to keep their opponents at bay.

This should make for a tight opening to the game, which is why backing a goalless first 29 minutes appeals. Also worthy of consideration is backing Spain to score more goals in the second half at 5/4 (2.20).

With the entire XI having had a week off to recover for the game, they are likely to be physically stronger than their opponents the longer the game goes on, making this a logical selection.