Both England an Italy were popular picks to be upset in the group stage and go hoe early. Both were embroiled in controversy, with England changing managers just a few months ago and Italian soccer being investigated for match-fixing. Meanwhile England was losing players left and right to injury an Italy saw their roster weakened by the match-fixing investigation. But neither team was derailed and now one of them will advance to the Euro semifinals, but only one as the two teams meet on Sunday in the quarterfinals.
England Vs. Italy, Euro 2012 Quarterfinals: Lines, Odds And Picks
Lines: England, pick ‘em (-115). Italy, pick ‘em (-105).
Odds: England, +165. Italy, +185. Draw, +195.
Over/Under: Over 2, +105. Under 2, -125.
After months of cynicism, winning Group D has revived people's faith in England. Bad move. While the English may be better than people expected, they are going to have trouble against Italy's Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio. Their only chance to keep from getting run over by the three in the middle is to pack men behind the ball, which doesn't exactly work in the 4-4-2 with the players that Roy Hodgson appears to favor. Still, it's worth taking the -105 on Italy and not the +185 just in case the soccer gods conspire to send England out on penalties.
It’s tough to imagine there being goals in this one. -125 on the under isn’t particularly attractive on this one, though, so it’s probably a bet to pass on, but under if you must.
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