Euro 2008 features one of the hardest groups in this year’s competition, Group C (group of death) gets underway, Monday June 9, with France vs Romania and Italy vs Netherlands. The Netherlands look to end a 30-year wait for a win against Italy. Oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have Italy at +130 over the Netherlands +190 with a draw at +220. Bet on Euro 2008: Italy vs Netherlands now at SBGglobal.com
Italy finished in first place in Group B Euro qualifying after going 9W-2D-1L in 12 matches. They scored 22 goals and allowed 9. The only time World Cup winners have gone on to win the European Championship was when France won in 1998. They lost superstar captain Fabio Cannavaro due to an ankle injury. Francesco Totti and Alessandro Nesta have retired from International play, but they’ll still have their remaining squad that got them the 2006 World Cup. Goalie Gianluigi Buffon is immovable between the posts and Marco Materazzi should start alongside Andrea Barzagli as part of their solid defense. Talented Alessandro Del Piero – Serie A's top-scorer with 21 goals – and Antonio Cassano are in the lineup and Camoranesi will be used in a more advanced position on the right of a three-pronged attack with Luca Toni.
Netherlands finished second, to Romania, in Group G Euro qualifying after going 8W-2D-2L in 12 matches. They scored 15 goals and allowed 5. They’ll be coached by Marco van Basten's whose time as Netherlands coach will end after Euro 2008. In the last three previous Euro competitions they’ve failed to make it out of group play. Holland might have gained a spot only with a second place finish, but this squad is just as strong as any previous. Ruud van Nistelrooy will once again lead a well-balanced team that hopes to rebuild after a horrible 2006 World Cup outing. They’ve switched from a 4-3-3 lineup to a 4-4-2 lineup hoping to generate some offense. The presence of a four-man defense in front of goalkeeper/captain Edwin van der Sar will prove solid. They only conceded five goals in qualifying. In Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie, Van Basten boasts three of the most creative and attacking midfield talents in Europe. Clarence Seedorf has elected not to join the squad for the finals. There will be another vastly experienced man leading the line, as Ruud van Nistelrooy sets his sights on Patrick Kluivert's Dutch record of 40 international goals. Should he misfire, Danny Koevermans, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Dirk Kuyt and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink are waiting in the wings.Bet on Euro 2008.
Head to Head: 15 matches played
- Italy leads 7W-6D-2L
- Italy scored 22 goals and allowed 15
- Netherlands scored 15 and allowed 22
Group C: Italy vs Netherlands
When: Mon, June 9, 2008 3:00 PM ET
Line: SBGglobal.com
Pick: Draw +220
The Bottom Line: This Group C will be the hardest group to predict. But with two great offensive and defensive teams with great goalies I’m seeing a draw at worst. Bet on Euro 2008: Italy vs Netherlands now at SBGglobal.com and receive a 30% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
