[Euro 2012 > 8th - 9th October]

Re: Euro 2012 > 8th - 9th October Russia are definitely a strong side. Very competitive, organized, tough to beat. I think anyone betting against Russia with the notion they are not a strong opponent will be quickly heading to the poorhouse.

[Euro 2012 > 8th - 9th October]

Re: Euro 2012 > 8th - 9th October

Italy team to face Northern Ireland is announced. It will be a 4-3-3 with the following players: Viviano; Cassani, Bonucci, Chiellini, Criscito; De Rossi, Pirlo, Mauri; Pepe, Borriello, Cassano.

I like that team, it's very strong. :ok They should be able to dismantle Northern Ireland quite easily. Northern Ireland will also be missing players.

[Euro 2012 > 8th - 9th October]

Re: Euro 2012 > 8th - 9th October

It is clear you don't know much about International football. Many rainy nights have passed in Belfast and many victims too. In only the last 6 years, Spain lost there, Sweden lost, England lost, Denmark lost. On the other side, NI was beaten home by weaker opponents as Poland and even Iceland. This team has the word upset written in their DNA. They come from an encouraging win in Slovenia and they have a decent team with a decent coach. I cannot say if friday night will be one of those magic nights in belfast, but taking a barely average Italy side at -0.75 would be a major mistake.

It would be a massive upset if Northern Ireland were able to get a draw against a determined and hungry Italian side. To say the current Azzurri team is barely average is ridiculous. The Azzurri has some of the most talented individuals in the world who would walk into almost any side. Teams like England must look on with great envy at the amount of local talent is playing for top sides in Serie A. The players travelling to Northern Ireland will be extremely proud to have an opportunity to cement themselves a place in the team with a good performance. 4/5 on Betfair seems a very fair price given the massive gulf in talent and experience. It's not a 100% bank job by any means, but I will definitely be having a sizable bet on this. And I will Italy in many of my accas this weekend.

[Euro 2012 > 8th - 9th October]

Re: Euro 2012 > 8th - 9th October

It's interesting to read what you have to say as I was considering backing Northern Ireland on the handicap. People thought Italy had too much intellect and ability to fail to beat New Zealand and Slovakia in the World Cup. What has changed since then?

The coach. The football. The altitude. I expect Italy to win this by a couple of goals at least.

[Euro 2012 > 8th - 9th October]

Re: Euro 2012 > 8th - 9th October Germany price is very delicious considering their wealth of experience, talent and desire. I can't look beyond a comfortable Germany victory, probably by two goals and more, against a Turkish team who are technically and mentally not as strong as Die Mannschaft. Also look at the price on Italy (4/6) to beat Northern Ireland in a tasty double. The Italians have far too much intellect and ability to fail to record a comprehensive victory against a very poor side indeed.