Euro 2012 Opta Stats: Early end to England adventure

Michael Lintorn
23 June 2012

Federico Balzaretti was Italy's top performer against Ireland

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England fans are finally starting to regain their belief, but these Opta stats suggest more quarter-final disappointment...

"In 10 quarter-final matches at the European Championship or World Cup (including one replay), Italy have conceded only four goals - and never more than one in a game."

Recommended Bet: Back Italy to keep a clean sheet @ 2.8615/8

England have lost seven out of ten quarter-final games at major tournaments, with 1966, 1990 and 1996 the only exceptions
In other words, the only time that England have reached a semi-final without home advantage was in Italy 22 years ago, when Belgium and Cameroon had stood in their way, illustrating the magnitude of the task awaiting Roy Hodgson's side. It is made even more difficult by the fact that Italy are quarter-final specialists, progressing through seven of their nine prior such ties, the two exceptions coming when beaten on penalty shootouts by eventual winners.

England have managed just one win from their last nine games against Italy (D2, L6)
The belief that a draw is fairly likely has led to a gulf between the odds on Italy qualifying and the price on them getting the job done in 90 minutes, despite their historic dominance of this fixture. Further cause to believe that the Azzurri can get the job done without relying on extra time and penalties is provided by their feat in winning eight of their 12 completed competitive matches under Cesare Prandelli (they were awarded a qualifying victory over Serbia due to crowd trouble) thus far.

In 10 quarter-final matches at the European Championship or World Cup (including one replay), Italy have conceded only four goals - and never more than one in a game
As far as defensive strength is concerned, Italy are a step up in class from the three backlines that England breached in the group stage. The latter's best performance in that regard came last time out against Republic of Ireland following a switch to a flat back four, with left back Federico Balzaretti particularly impressive in his first appearance of the competition. Three of England's five goals so far have come from set pieces, however this is an area in which Italy specialise, as evidenced by them scoring as often by such means in Group C.

Click here to read more Opta stats on this encounter