Two of Europe’s biggest footballing nations collide as Italy face Spain on Monday afternoon, Will Burns sees it as a dominating performance from Spain, but a narrow victory comes with.
Monday 27th June 2016 – 17:00 BST
EURO 2016 – ROUND OF 16
ITALY v SPAIN
The 3-5-2 of Italy meets the 4-3-3 of Spain and history shows that this could prove problematic for Vicente Del Bosque’s side. Due to a late defeat against Croatia in their last group game, La Roja has given themselves the hardest possible route to an unprecedented third straight European Championships title.
Although the clear favourites with the bookies in this match, they have struggled against sides that use a 3-5-2 formation and press high – most notably in the 2014 World Cup against Chile (2-0) and the Netherlands (5-1) two summers ago.
Antonio Conte’s side have a history of pulling off wins against sides that hold the greater of possession however, they have a poor record in the knockouts of the Euros. The Italians have failed to find the net in three of their last four knockout games at the Euros, I firmly expect to Italy to lack attacking ambition on Monday afternoon and while there is a danger that an early Spain goal forces a change in plans, I see the price of a Spain win to nil is valued at 2.85 at 888Sport and I cannot ignore .
Coming off his dreadful outing against Croatia, there is no doubt David de Gea should keep his place as Del Bosque is the only manager to name an unchanged starting XI in each of the three group stage matches. It would be a surprise for him to suddenly start making changes in this game so I see more of the same. Clean sheets and wins.
As mentioned earlier, I can’t envisage Italy attacking much so Spain will find it hard to break them down, but they are always good for a goal and 5.50 for Spain to win 1-0 at William Hill is another cracking bet.
TIP: Spain to win to nil (2.85 at 888Sport)
TIP: Correct Score – Italy 0-1 Spain (5.50 at William Hill)
