*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Italy and Belgium denotes the final group game of the Women’s Euros and we’ve come to learn a few things about the nature of this tournament so far.
Here are but a few of them.
England look the best side which shouldn’t be any surprise to anyone, but what is perhaps quite unfair is the psychological edge they have over the others. And no, I’m not speaking about them being hosts.
I’m actually referring to the fact that they pump Sweet Caroline into each of the games at half-time and encourage the fans on-site to sing along to it.
That’s surely breaking some form of conduct.
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Secondly, some of these venues, while taking criticism for their size early on, have actually contributed to quite a lovely atmosphere for families and have honestly added to the close-knit feel of the tournament.
And finally – Italy, God love them – are absolute pony. And having spent the last number of weeks living with Italian work colleagues, you can bet your life I rubbed it in.
But now, they have a chance. Win this and they’re probably in, so they can put each of their underwhelming performances behind them.
But will they? Here’s three sharp wagers.
WHAT: UEFA Euro 2020 – Group D: Italy v Belgium
WHEN: Monday, July 18: 8pm
WHERE: Manchester City Academy Stadium
HOW TO WATCH: BBC Four & BBC iPlayer
Short-Priced Punt: Italy to Win
They’re just a tad better than Belgium and possess seven different players who are playing Champions League football at club level with Juventus.
Outside of Janice Cayman, what do Belgium really have? A philosophy of sorts I grant you, but that’s so far resulted in them looking lethargic.
I do honestly believe Italy played quite well in their opener against France and if you replayed that game another ten times, you wouldn’t get a winning margin like that again.
In their second game, we saw some changes – and most of them were questionable. Provided that Milena Bertolini actually plays her best XI, they should have enough here at a very fair price.
Want to know more about the two sides on show?
- Italy hoping to replicate men’s team’s success at the Euros
- Belgium are free of expectations as the lowest ranked side in the group
Italy to Come From Behind to Win
They start particularly slowly, that’s the real issue. A part of that is down to them turning professional about a week before the tournament, or maybe it’s down to the fact that they’re after singing the best national anthem on planet earth at the top of their lungs and need to come down.
But expect them to look sluggish early on before finding their feet. All six of their conceded goals have come in the opening half, while both of their own scores have been after the hour mark.
Italy to Have a Red Card
There’s only been two red cards through 20 games thus far which is quite low. Ironically, Belgium are one of the sides to have seen a player dismissed, but Italy’s ten fouls a game is only bettered by Iceland, Germany and Switzerland.
Sara Gama saw her red card overturned against France which was the right call but some of the fouls in that game were reckless and this is clearly part of their plan going forward – to physically impose.
I just wouldn’t be surprised, with all the stakes on the line, if they’re to see red. Literally.
Italy v Belgium betting tips:
Italy to win
Italy to come from behind
Italy to have a red card
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
READ MORE
- Here’s our ULTIMATE preview guide to all 16 teams at Euro 2022
- Women’s Euro 2022 odds: Who are the favourites to win the trophy?
- When is the Women’s Euro 2022? Fixtures, groups, schedule & venues as England host
- Women’s Euros squads: Every team’s complete list of selected players for 2022 tournament
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