European Under-21 Championship Final 2013 – Betting Preview
Spain will be bidding to retain their European Under-21 crown on Tuesday, as the tournament favourites face the Azzurrini in Israel.
Sportingly Better picks out the best football predictions and football betting tips ahead of the 2013 European Under-21 Championship final.
European Under-21 Championship Final Predictions
Italy U21 (5.00) v Spain U21 (1.72); Draw (3.50)
The Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem plays host to the 2013 European Under-21 Championship final, with Julen Lopetegui’s side the overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy.
Like the senior side, the Spanish Under-21’s have been modelled heavily on the tiki-taka style of football and in Thiago and Isco, la Rojita possess two of the continent’s finest young attacking talents.
Championship top goalscorer Morata will again have to make do with a place on the bench despite scoring four goals in the competition so far, but the Real Madrid striker is set to follow up his Golden Boot triumph at the European Under-19 finals in 2011 with the Under-21 award this time round.
Spain U21 Probable Lineup
de Gea, Montoya, Bartra, Martinez, Moreno, Thiago, Illarramendi, Koke, Tello, Rodrigo, Isco
As we predicted prior to the tournament, Malaga midfielder Isco has been the standout performer in the competition and the Golden Boy winner will have to decide between suitors Manchester City or Real Madrid once the tournament is over.
La Rojita have won 23 of their last 25 competitive matches on the international stage and the classy Spanish side will look to impose themselves on the final by maintaining possession and playing short balls into the channels.
Opponents Italy secured their place in the final courtesy of a late Fabio Borini goal against the Netherlands and the Azzurrini will be hopeful of springing a surprise in Israel tonight.
Italy were outperformed in the first half against the Netherlands on Saturday, but Stefan Strandberg’s 90th minute goal for Norway has been the only blemish on an otherwise impressive defensive record for the Azzurrini.
Italy U21 Probable Lineup
Bardi, Donati, Bianchetti, Caldirola, Regini, Florenzi, Rossi, Verratti, Insigne, Borini, Immobile
The Italians have a strong record in the final; having won all four of their last four finals they have contested, but Devis Mangia’s side will be mindful of the task that faces them on Tuesday.
Four of the last five European U21 finals have witnessed a three-goal winning margin and with the dominant Spanish side in attendance, expect la Rojita to impress once again in the final.
Recommended Bets
Spain U21 -1.0 Asian Handicap @2.10
Spain U21 to score over 1.5 goals @2.00
Author Credit: Jonathan Day
Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/people/60189863@N03