HOLLAND vs ITALY (EURO 2008)

<3.22> <2.60> <2.30>

Team news: Holland - Van Persie, Robben out. Italy - Cannavaro, Pannuci out. Kinda funny that Italy have defenders injured while Holland have their strikers injured. Well, Italy probably have the better side, with in form Luca Toni leading the 3 pronged attack against the Holland defence, which has not been very good. Holland's best weapon will be their attack with great attacking flair from the likes of Afellay, van der Vaart, Sneijder backing Ruud Van Nistelrooy. It will be definitely a great match, but I feel that an upset is in the making especially with Cannavaro (injured) and Nesta (not called up) out for Italy. Not that Barzagli and Metarazzi are bad replacements, but Cannavaro was FIFA world player of the year, and Nesta is widely regarded as one of the best central defenders in the game. These two have been crucial to keeping Buffon safe and I think that their presence will be sorely missed. If you can, get Holland on level ball, it's worth a shot IMO.

On a side note, I don't know why but I have this hunch that Italy will score first, defend like mad and Holland will score 2 to win. I don't know why, it's just a feeling.

- Roland's prediction: $5 on Holland @ 3.22 = $16.10
$5 on A-H (Italy-Holland) @ 25.00 = $125.00


odds for the holland win have been going up rapidly these few days, possibly cos of the ridiculous perception that italy are the better side. let me tell you straight, they are not. and this is coming from someone who laid a wager on italy winning the world cup 2 years ago. italy, are now without cannavaro and nesta, meaning their central defence is marshalled by materazzi and barzagli, hardly a solid pair. this means that holland's weaknesses in defence are for the first time in a long while, matched by the italians. if the defences are equal, then you look at the offence. italy are SHIT in attack. luca toni, for all his supposed skill and attacking prowess, plays for a shit club in a shit league. holland are brilliant in attack, and i expect them to beat italy in this one. also, with shit defences, and good attackers, expect goals.

- Eddy's prediction: $5 on Holland @ 3.22 = $16.10
$5 on OVER 2.5 goals @ 2.60 = $13.00