Euro 2012 Final Preview

After 29 games, 22 days, countless goals, lots of talking points and numerous reasons to get annoyed at Michel Platini, the European Championship comes to an end tonight, but will it be Spain or Italy who are celebrating?

Bookmakers make Spain 5/4 (william hill) favourites to win the match in 90 minutes. Spain will hoping their big final experience helps them out as they have won three of the four major finals they have appeared in, including the last two. The Italians can take heart from point their head to head record against Spain. Under Cesare Prandelli Italy have played Spain twice (once in a friendly in August 2011 and in the group stages) and remained unbeaten. Historically as well Italy have won more of the head to head games with Spain. If you think the Azurri can win this in 90 minutes then you can get 3/1 (boylesports). Those who think that the 90 minute result will see a repeat of the group stage draw can get 9/4 (Stan James). Spain are 11/17 (Bwin) to claim the trophy, while Italy are 6/4 (general) to be crowned champions of Europe.

Spain have not conceded in their last four games and bookmakers make the 1-0 Spain victory favourite in the ’correct score market’ at 5/1 (general). The 0-0 draw is 6/1 (Stan James/ladbrokes), while a repeat of the 1-1 group stage result is 6/1 (BetVictor). Those who fancy an Italian victory can get 8/1 (ladbrokes) a 1-0 Italy victory or for a repeat of their August 2011 friendly victory over Spain, Italy 2-1 is 16/1 (ladbrokes/Stan James). Spain 2/1 is priced at 10/1 (ladbrokes).

In the first goalscorer market Mario Balotelli, who has scored the last three Euro 2012 goals for Italy, is 15/2 (BetVictor/Stan James), while strike partner Antonio Cassano is 12/1 (BetVictor/Stan James/william hill). In a tight game set-pieces could be key and Andrea Pirlo will be on these duties for Italy and the midfield maestro is 20/1 (general) for first goal. Xabi Alonso will be on a number of these for Spain (including penalties) and is 20/1 (Stan James/william hill). Andres Iniesta has had more shots at the Euros than any other player without scoring and if you think his luck is likely to change you can get 12/1 (BetVictor/Stan James/William Hill) that he grabs the opener here.

One interesting market available for the final is the man of the match award with Andrea Pirlo and Andres Iniesta favourites at 5/1. Mario Balotelli is next in line at 8/1 (general). Those looking for value may wish to consider keepers Gigi Buffon at 20/1 (BetVictor/Bodog) and Iker Casillas 25/1 (general).

A number of bookmakers are priced on a number of specials on Mario Balotelli. ’Super Mario’ is unlikely to have a quiet evening and he is 5/2 (Stan James) to score anytime, but also of appeal could be the 5/4 (Stan James) he is booked and the 5/2 he is booked and substituted (Stan James).

The Half Time/Full Time market favours a Spain HT/Spain FT result, which is currently 3/1 (Bodog). Spain though do not score many first half goals and if you fancy Spain then it may be better to go Draw HT/Spain FT which is 17/4 (Bwin). Those who think Italy will get out of the blocks fast like they did against Germany can get 4/1 (general) for them to be leading at Half Time.

It has been an enjoyable tournament and football fans will be hoping that tonight is a fitting conclusion to the entertainment that has been served up.

Go To bet365

#Ad

01/07/2012     © Frixo 2024