Italy vs Spain betting preview 10/08/2011

International friendly matches give coaches a chance to experiment with tactics and formations and fringe players a chance to impress. This certainly seems the case here as both Cesare Prandelli and Vicente del Bosque have used the opportunity to spring a few surprises. Prandelli has called up two players from the Italian Serie B while Del Bosque has called up young Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara after he impressed in preseason.

Championship golden boot odds

Italy – It’s been so far so good in Euro 2012 qualify for Italy as they currently top their group with games in hand. However, a shock defeat last time out to Ireland raised questions about the strength of Prandelli’s squad, as several of the regular starters were left out. Italy’s inability to finish their chances during the Ireland game appears to be the motivation behind the recall of Mario Balotelli of Man City and Antonio Cassano of A.C Milan. Despite this, boss Prandelli has admitted that Giuseppe Rossi will start as the main striker. The Villarreal player netted an impressive 32 goals last season and so odds of 8.5 from Bet365, for the striker to open the scoring, are looking really good value. As for the rest of the team, Prandelli has indicated he may play a strong side as he wishes to measure the Azzurri’s progress against the current world and European champions. Daniele De Rossi and Alberto Aquilani look likely to come back into the team, whilst highly rated Serie B player Angelo Ogbonna could earn his first senior cap. Italy’s defence in qualifying has been very solid so far with just 1 goal conceded in 6 games, therefore odds of 1.62 from Stan James for under 2.5 goals could well be a clever bet.

Spain – Just like Italy, Spain’s Euro 2012 qualification so far has been relatively straightforward, with 5 wins from 5 games. Although Vicente del Bosque has chosen to go with a fairly strong squad, there is still room for some young players to make an impact. Barcelona’s Xavi has pulled out through injury, and with Cesc Fabregas also injured, Barca’s young midfielder Thiago looks set to win some game time. Spain’s attacking options still remain intact though with David Villa, Fernando Torres, Alvaro Negredo and Fernando Llorente all in the frame to lead the line. Juan Mata was the inspiration behind Spain’s last qualifying victory and the Valencia forward is most definitely worth backing to score at anytime with odds of 5.0 at Bet365 available. La Roja are rightly favourites for the clash on Wednesday with a near full strength squad and some exciting young players, and the best odds of 2.35 come from Betfred. Another market showing good value for this fixture is the Half Time/Full Time combination of Draw/Spain with good odds of 5.5 available from Paddy Power.

Highlighted bets

Giuseppe Rossi first goal scorer – 8.5 Bet365
Under 2.5 goals – 1.62 Stan James
Juan Mata anytime scorer – 5.0 Bet365
HT/FT – Draw/Spain – 5.5 Paddy Power
1-1 Correct Score – 6.5 William Hill

*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches