Italy v Spain tips: Our trader’s tasty pair of picks for Tuesday’s Euro 2020 semi-final

Our footie trader Emmet O’Keeffe has perched himself on the fence for this one.

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* 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.

Tuesday 20:00 – Italy v Spain
BBC One / RTÉ Two

Correct Score: 1-1

This game on Tuesday night at Wembley is going to be a very, very tight affair. Roberto Mancini’s side have a great combination of traditional Italian defensive values and the new school high press. They also have some really valuable midfielders to create for them, especially Marco Verratti of Paris Saint-Germain.

Spain, in contrast, have been a funny team to figure out. They dominate the ball and their pressing game is excellent, but they don’t convert that into chances. But, when they do get opportunities to score Alvaro Morata tends to miss them!

Italy are certainly the more reliable team of the two semi-finalists. But, at the current prices, I would lean towards tipping the draw in this one. I know it’s not the most exciting bet, but three of the four meetings of these sides in knockout football have gone to extra time. I can see the Italians taking the final place in extra-time or penalties, but reckon the 90 minutes will finish level at 1-1.

Leonardo Bonucci To Score The First Goal

There is a player I like to grab the first goal in their semi-final at a big price and that’s Italy’s centre-half Leonardo Bonucci. He had a one disallowed – which would have been a first goal – against Belgium and he’s also usually a big threat to the defence from set-pieces.

If this is tight towards the end of normal time, don’t be surprised if he pops up on the scoresheet from a dead-ball situation. He’ll be a hell of a price if it comes up!

Italy v Spain tips summary:

Correct Score: 1-1
Leonardo Bonucci To Score The First Goal

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