Statman Dave's Italy vs Spain predictions
Content Editor at Free Super Tips, Alex was born in the shadow of Old Trafford and is an avid Man Utd fan. After graduating from university he combined his love of football, writing and betting to join FST and now closely follows goings-on in all of the top European leagues.
Statman Dave’s stint at FST is coming to an end but he’s looking for a strong finish to the season after landing each of his last two bet builder tips!
The summer signing bagged a quarter-final winner with Italy to qualify and Insigne to have 3+ shots before making merry on Ukraine vs England as his tip of England to win, England to score 3+ goals and Harry Maguire to have 2+ shots came flying in.
Here’s hoping for more of the same as he takes us through the first of two huge Euro 2020 semi-finals!
Statman Dave’s Italy vs Spain preview
Italy and Spain are probably the sides that have most resemble top clubs at the tournament, which makes sense given who their managers are.
There’s more design in the style of these sides than with any other nation at the tournament: they both set up in a 4-3-3, with Spain’s being significantly more narrow, and both move the ball quickly and with purpose.
The interesting thing about this game is that both of these sides have tended to be the tempo-setters in all of their matches so far and something has to give here.
Italy, I think, will be the side that adapts better to the game and goes through. It’s a close call, but Spain have shown more frailty than Roberto Mancini’s side: between their lack of aerial ability, their lack of mobility at centre back and their penchant for a moment of madness, there’s more that gives in this Spain side than there is with the Italians. In fact, Spain’s expected goals against record in the tournament is by far the worst of the remaining teams.
Italy will have spells in which they camp inside Spain’s final third and apply real pressure – which they’re able to do both centrally and from wide areas, which makes them very difficult to defend against.
In at least one of these spells, I think we’ll see a lapse from Luis Enrique’s side and they don’t seem to have the firepower – at least on a consistent basis – to atone for any mistakes.
Statman Dave’s best bet: Italy to qualify, Insigne to take 2+ shots and Immobile to take 3+ shots.
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