Italy v Romania: Half time/full time, asian handicap, to score, bookings odds/bookings index

Match 13 - Italy v Romania / Tareq Quiroz / 13 June 2008 / Leave a comment

Group C was tagged the group of death and after the first round of games it is Italy who will be feeling like the end is just around the corner. In the first shock of the tournament they were soundly beaten by the Netherlands and now they find themselves in a precarious position.

Nothing short of a win in their second group game against Romania will suffice if the World Champions want to progress to the quarter-finals.

Whilst you cannot argue with the fact that the Dutch were impressive and for periods of time they gave Italy a footballing masterclass. It is also important to recognise that the scoreline didn't really reflect the balance of play. The Italians had several chances but it was just one of those nights when the ball was just never going to find the back of the net. Expect that to change on Friday night when they take on a stubborn Romania side.

Italy boss Roberto Donadoni has decisions to make ahead of the game and you can expect him to alter his starting line-up in at least a couple of places. Certainly Di Natale's place must be in jeopardy after a fairly ineffective performance against the Netherlands - expect the experienced Del Piero to get the nod in this crucial clash.

Let's not forget that Romania also got an excellent result in their opening game with a hard fought 0-0 draw against France. I can't foresee any changes in their line-up and I imagine they will approach the fixture in the same manner as the French game in so much as they will hope to nick a goal and win 1-0.

The Romanian approach may well turn out to be their undoing as they will find the Italians adept in breaking down packed defences. Donadoni will stress the need for patience but you can be sure that they will create the chances that France failed to do. The tempting line on the Asian Handicap market is the Italy -0.5&-1.0, I can see that once the breakthrough happens, that there will be more to come. Back Italy on this line at current odds of [2.01] and you will not be disappointed.

Whilst there is little doubt that it will be a cagey opening to the game, I don't expect the stalemate to drag on for too long. Those who feel that Italy will be too strong for the Romanians will be tempted to take their chances and back Italy/Italy at [2.94] in the Half Time/Full Time market. I am one of those people and as much as I don't like backing a short-priced team in this market to try and lengthen the odds of my bet, I can see great merit in siding with the Italians on this occasion.

Alessandro Del Piero may have been the top scorer in Serie A last season but I feel he will be the magician behind the moves that cut Romania open. The most obvious recipient would be Luca Toni and with Europe's other top strikers getting off the mark, he will be keen to join them. I feel sure he will find the net at some point during Friday's game so backing him at [2.4] in the To Score is a must bet.

With a relatively slow-paced affair, the likely scenario for this Group C game is that there will not be too many tackles flying in. Whilst neither team are angels, it is probable that you will witness a game of cat and mouse that will result in a low return on the card count. I recommend taking a chance in the Bookings Odds market and backing the 5pts and Under option at current odds of [6.2].

It's make or break time for the World Champions and like any champion, we must expect them to deliver the goods in these difficult times. But never forget that Romania make it their business to upset the favourites and will be confident of doing so yet again. It's an intriguing encounter and one not to be missed.

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