Betting tips / Michael Lintorn / 30 June 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

Michael Lintorn expects Andrea Pirlo to be named player of the tournament, and after five successful semi-final selections he tries to identify more winners for Sunday's Euro 2012 final.

Italy are unbeaten against Spain at major tournaments (penalties shoot-outs excluded), with three wins and four draws

The Azzurri have already shown the advantage that historic supremacy can provide twice this summer, first in holding Spain in their opener, an occasion in which Spain coach Vicente del Bosque conceded that his side were largely outplayed, and then in again getting the better of Germany. On top of that, Opta also note that they haven't lost a competitive fixture under the hugely impressive Cesare Prandelli. The tactician has won one and drawn the other of his two clashes with the reigning European and world champions.


Italy are the only side who have never trailed at any point during Euro 2012

They haven't actually fallen behind in a European Championship match since their first of ten qualifiers for this edition away to Estonia, the cohesion of their almost exclusively Juventus back five making them incredibly difficult to break down. Italy were the first to fire when these two met in the group stage, one of two instances in which backing Spain to score the opener (in 90 minutes) has led to disappointment at Euro 2012. They are odds-on to do so in Kiev, with the lay price more appealing.

Spain have the best defensive record at Euro 2012 with only one goal conceded; in their last two games, Spain only faced one shot on target

And though Italy's Antonio Di Natale was responsible for the blemish on that record, scoring against Spain in a knockout clash is a completely different proposition, Opta revealing that they have gone 900 minutes without conceding in such circumstances. As Italy are similarly sturdy, their only leak in their last three games being Germany's injury-time consolation penalty, all signs point to this being a less open affair than their collision three weeks ago, and even that only delivered two goals.


Recommended Betfair Bets
Back Italy to win Euro 2012 @ 2.58
Lay Spain to score the next (first) goal @ 1.9
Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.5