Tag Archives: guide

Can Pirlo guide Italy to glory?

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Italy (11/2 – Euro 2012 Outright) may not have been among many people’s predictions to make even the semi-finals in Poland and Ukraine but now, with midfield genius Andrea Pirlo in such scintillating form, can the Azzurri dare to dream of winning the tournament?

Certainly, before the action got underway this month, very few people were suggesting Cesare Prandelli’s side could make it to the last four but, following their quarter-final win over England on penalties on Sunday, they are in with a chance of glory and prepare to take on Germany on Thursday as lively underdogs.

Italy began the competition with a deserved 1-1 draw against Spain and could yet meet them again in Sunday’s final if they overcome an impressive German outfit first. They followed the first game up with another 1-1 draw – this time against Croatia – before seeing off Ireland 2-0 in their final group game.

It is fair to say they were effective and solid in those games rather than being sparkling but, at times against England, Italy had the look of potential tournament winners with man-of-the-match Pirlo dominating the game and stealing the show.

The veteran star has, like the team in general, grown into the tournament and his display in Kiev was almost perfect. Pirlo picked off passes left, right and centre with the craft and subtlety of a master artist and England’s tiring pair of Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker simply couldn’t get near him as the game progressed.

If he can find a similarly-domineering performance against Germany then, you never know, Italy might just be able to pull off a shock and get to the final (Italy 7/2, Germany 5/6, draw 9/4 – 90 minute prices).

Taking on, and getting the better of, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil, is a tough task, however, as they are all experienced, top international players but Pirlo, aided by the busy Riccardo Montolivo, should not be underestimated.

The Germans are unlikely to do that now after being impressed by the manner of the win over England and another tight semi-final is in prospect.

Italy say they fear no-one left in the tournament and, if they can get past Germany, do not be surprised to see them going on to triumph next Sunday.

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Navas to guide Sevilla home

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After another spectacular weekend of La Liga action, Monday sees the conclusion of week 14 with a mouth-watering tie as in-form Getafe travel to Andalucía to take on Sevilla (Sevilla 8/13, Draw 11/4, Getafe 9/2 Match Betting) at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Both teams have had up and down seasons so far but go into the game in decent form and will see the match as the perfect opportunity to continue their good runs.

Sevilla appear to be a team in transition and have had a difficult few years since the glory days of the last decade which saw them win consecutive UEFA Cups and become a regular fixture in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

This year they have been their typically inconsistent selves but currently sit sixth in the league and many are tipping them for possible European qualification.

Despite the difficulties of the last few years, they still have a number of top class players and pivotal to their cause on Monday will undoubtedly be winger Jesus Navas. The 26-year-old has long been seen as one of the continents premier widemen but has remained loyal to the ‘Sevillistas’ and is undoubtedly their star man.

Navas will be hoping to produce a big performance as he looks to secure his place in the Spain squad for next summer’s European Championships.

Getafe currently sit 13th in the league and will go into the match full of confidence after beating Barcelona last weekend. The ‘Azulones’ are one of the smallest clubs in the league and it’s a minor miracle how they continue to compete due to their lack of financial resources.

After struggling last term, many predicted they would once again struggle but have confounded their critics and look as if they could finish in a steady mid-table position.

Their lack of finances means they very rarely boast star names but one man in their side to look out for is certainly youngster Abdelaziz Barrada. In a team known for their work rate rather than their creativity, the attacking midfielder often stands out as he looks to unlock opposition defences and was a star of their recent win against Atletico Madrid. Despite being rather raw, he has the talent to unlock any defence on his day so lookout for him to be one of the stars of the game.

Despite Getafe’s good form, home advantage could play a major part and Sevilla should take the points. With Navas pulling the strings, they are a mighty prospect at home and will go into the game expecting a comfortable victory (Sevilla 11/1 to win 3-0).

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