One of the first big matches in Euro 2008 takes place today as Italy faces the Netherlands. The game will take place at Stade de Suisse in Bern, Switzerland and should be one of the best ones so far in the tournament. Both teams have been picked to do well and neither wants to start with a loss. The Netherlands will be missing Arjen Robben who is out with an injury. They are also without Ryan Babela and Van Persie. The key player for the Dutch is Ruud Van Nistelrooy. He will look to lead the Netherlands offense against Italy.

Italy is -.5 (+130) with a total of 2 over (-120) at SBG Global
Three-way line – Italy +130, Netherlands +220, Draw +210

The Italians are without Fabio Cannavaro who is injured while Cristian Panucci is also hurt but expected to play. The key player for Italy is Luca Toni who had a great year for Bayern Munich with 39 goals and 12 assists in 46 matches. He will team with Daniel Derossi to lead the attack. Italy’s defense will be missing Cannavaro but they have the best goalkeeper in the world in Gianluigi Buffon. “We are world champions but this is no guarantee of success,” Italy coach Roberto Donadoni said. “It’s normal that when you go into a competition as world champions there is more pressure. We know we face a very difficult game against a rival that will make life difficult for us.”

Netherlands coach Marco Van Basten is well aware that a result early is critical in the tough Group C. “Two years ago Italy were world champions and they still have mostly the same players. It is going to be a difficult job for us and the group will be difficult with France and Romania. We will have to perform very well but we will give it a try.”

The Netherlands has not won a match against Italy in 30 years. That is eight straight losses for the Netherlands against the Italians. “Statistics belong to the past not the present,” Donadoni said. “The fact is that 22 players will go out tomorrow on the pitch looking to help their teams win. What has been done in the past doesn’t stress me or make me calm.”

In the Soccer Betting Euro 2000 the two teams played to a 0-0 draw in the semifinals but Italy won 3-1 on penalties. The Netherlands has made it to the semifinals in four of the last five European Championships. Italy has been knocked out of the group phase in two of the last three European Championships. Italy is unbeaten though in their last six Euro openers, with four wins and two draws.

Receive up to 135% in Total Bonuses from SBG Global!
50% Casino Deposit Bonus
30% Initial Deposit Bonus
30% Re-Up Bonus
10% Buddy Referral

This entry was posted on Monday, June 9th, 2008 at 5:40 am and is filed under 2008 Euro Finals, 2008 Euro Qualifier, 2008 UEFA Euro Finals, European Football Betting, Italy, Italy, Netherlands, Netherlands, Soccer News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.