The opening game for both these teams in Group B sees Italy travel to the Stadion Vasil Levski to play Bulgaria.

Italy are the favourites at 7/10 with Bet365 (get first deposit doubled here), whereas Bulgaria can be backed at 9/2 with Betfred (free £50 bet), whom are also offering the best price on the draw, available at 11/2.

Italy come into this game as the European Championships runner-ups, but having lost their last two games – against Spain in the final of the Euros, and recently in a friendly against England. If the friendly against England is anything to go by, Prandelli is attempting to blood a much younger generation of Italian players – he can’t rely on Pirlo forever! Bulgaria come into the game in pretty lousy form, having won only two of their last nine games. Astonishingly though, one of those games was against Holland, IN Holland, as part of the Euro 2012 warm ups.

Sorry to disappoint the masses of people eagerly awaiting this match, but I don’t see it being a classic. Italy generally do not score many goals, and they concede even less, so all signs point to a narrow victory for the Azzurri, which will suit Prandelli just fine. Italy to win 1-0 is available at 11/2 with 188Bet, and that seems pretty generous in the circumstances, so I’ll recommend that. I don’t see Italy conceding, so the win to nil at 6/4 with Blue Square alongside the 1-0 scoreline might offer some insurance in case Italy accidentally score more than once.

In terms of the player markets, it’s difficult to know exactly who Prandelli is going to play upfront, but the players to watch out for are the Roma pair, Destro, and in particular, Osvaldo. Osvaldo has a penchant for scoring the spectacular goals, including a ridiculous scissor kick towards the end of last season, and a sublime lob against Inter last weekend. We suggest waiting until the starting line up is announced before placing your bet, but if one of Destro (6/1 Boylesports) or Osvaldo (15/2 Bet365) start, back them for first goal.

Bulgaria vs Italy Free Tips

Italy to win 1-0 @ 11/2 (118Bet) – risk free bet here

Italy to win to nil @ 6/4 (Blue Square) – bet £25, get £25 free

Destro to score first @ 6/1 (BoyleSports) or

Osvaldo to score first @ 15/2 (Bet365)

To watch the match live online follow this link > select live streaming > choose your match from the list.