Italy vs Spain betting tips and predictions for tonight’s Euro 2016 last 16 match including the best odds and offers for the match.
In arguably the tie of the last 16, Italy and Spain go head to head in a repeat of the final from four years ago. The match is a 5pm kick off tonight on BBC One, so here are our match predictions and betting tips ahead of that clash.
Italy vs Spain Predictions
After what was a fairly underwhelming first round of fixtures in the group stage, the Italians certainly produced the most impressive performance following their highly efficient 2-0 victory over Belgium. Although their levels dropped significantly in the two remaining games, this fine victory over the toughest side in the group left Antonio Conte’s side in an incredibly strong position in the ‘Group of Death’ due to the new expanded format introduced at Euro 2016.
As it was, Italy consolidated their opening three points with a last gasp victory over Sweden a few days later – in what has to be said, the least entertaining match I have seen at the championships so far. This then left the Italians in the enviable position of being able to rest almost an entire team in their final group game against Ireland, knowing that top spot was all but guaranteed. Not that Martin O’Neil was complaining as his side ran out 1-0 victors following a tense affair at the Grand Stade Lille Metropole.
OFFER: Get 16/1 for Italy to win or 7/1 for Spain to win when you open a new 888Sport account.
If Italy produced the best performance in the first set of group fixtures, it was opponents Spain that took that mantle for the second batch of games. Following a hard-fought three points against the Czech Republic in their opening clash, Spain really turned on the style with 3-0 victory over Turkey a game later. After a quite remarkable twenty matches, Vicente Del Bosque’s side were the first team to score three goals in the tournament and this was largely thanks to Alvaro Morata’s well-taken double scored either side of half-time.
However, despite quickly establishing themselves as most bookies favourites for the tournament, the Spanish then ran into the then Euro 2016 dark horses Croatia a game later, and they promptly set the cat amongst the pigeons with a 2-1 victory to top the group. Although there is no shame in such a defeat, it will have been the manner of that loss – taking an early lead and missing a penalty – that will have been the most alarming to the Spanish contingent. In the grand scheme of things, though, Spain got off relatively lightly as a tie against Portugal could have been equally as testing.
Heading into the clash and the bookies are right behind Spain, with the reigning champions a best price 6/5 to win in 90 minutes. Italy are fairly heavy underdogs at 10/3, with the draw available at a particularly lame 2/1.
OFFER: Get 6/1 for Spain to win or 12/1 for Italy to win using this link to Betfair.
As with most games at this level, the opening goal is likely to be absolutely crucial. Should Spain notch early, I can see them running out fairly comfortable winners. However, if it’s the Italians, then then Iniesta and co could be in for a very long night at the office. We’ve already seen against both Belgium and Sweden that Italy are an incredibly well-drilled side that don’t concede many chances, and Spain really struggled to break down the Czech Republic in their opening game at the championships after their opponents parked the bus.
Nevertheless, Spain have a favourable record over Italy recently and are unbeaten in their last five encounters since 2012. They also only conceded a three goals throughout qualifying and finished with an impressive goal difference of +20. With this fact in mind, I’m edging towards a narrow Spanish victory for my first Italy vs Spain prediction. Therefore, back Spain to win at a best price of 23/20 with Betfred.
OFFER: Get a £30 free bet when you open a new Betfred account.
Moving over to the goalscoring market and although Alvaro Morata has already notched three times in the tournament, Nolito has also impressed in his attacking role on the left and has already opened his Euro 2016 goal account as well. Whilst the Celta Vigo forward is hardly prolific, I can see him having a few pot-shots at the Italian goal if their defenders start sitting deep, and his price of 8/1 to score the opening goal of the match looks outstanding value with Paddy Power and that’s my second Italy vs Spain betting tip.
Finally, for a little dip into the cards market, and after browsing the recent games between the two sides, it appears Gerard Pique has picked up three yellow cards in his last three appearances against the Italians. Whether this is merely coincidence, only time will tell. However, Pique has yet to be booked in the tournament so far and there’s every chance he might have to take one for the team at some point with Sergio Ramos already treading on egg shells. Therefore, my final Italy vs Spain prediction is for Pique to get a card at odds of 11/4 with Sky Bet.
Italy vs Spain Betting Tips
Spain to win – 23/20 with Betfred.
Nolito to score first – 8/1 with Paddy Power.
Pique to get a card – 11/4 with Sky Bet.
Open a new Paddy Power account tonight and get a massive 6/1 for Spain to beat Italy. This means a £10 bet wins £60 compared to the £12 you’d win at your normal bookies.
How to get 6/1 for Spain to beat Italy:
1. Click this link to Paddy Power and register
2. Bet £10 on Spain to win at 6/1
3. If they win get £60
Thomas Furinss
Latest posts by Thomas Furinss (see all)
- Football Betting Tips for a Both Teams to Score 4-fold on 15th Jaunary - January 14, 2017
- Saturday’s Betting Tips for a Both Teams to Score and Win Treble at 26/1 - January 13, 2017
- Both Teams to Score Tips for Sunday 8th January to win £237 Risk Free - January 6, 2017
- Both Teams to Score and Win Accumulator Tips for Saturday 7th January - January 5, 2017
Follow us