Before every Euro 2012 match Ian Wright will unleash his inner gambler and predict the score. On this page you’ll find Football Friends Online as well other popular football bloggers from across the web wading into debate to make their expert predictions too.
Absolute Radio- Bloggers Predictions.
But as the action gets under way, will they be Wright, or will they be wrong? Follow the #WrightorWrong hashtag on Twitter and lend your voice to the debate.
England v Italy
Brad Smith –
Dan Whiteway- England 0-1 Italy England’s first quarter final in a major international tournament in six years and Italy’s first in four is the backdrop to what should be a cagey affair settled by just one goal. England have been impressive but far from spectacular in the way they won Group D but the Italians have been just as middling. Going forward, two from Cassano, Di Natale and Balotelli will cause a lot of headaches with Pirlo (who has played far further upfield this tournament than he usually does) pulling the strings but Welbeck, Rooney and Young with Walcott to come on as a sub will stretch the Italians. A desire to remain negative and not get worked up results in my prediction in favour of the Italians but this one really is just to close to call.
Paul Hill – England 0-0 Italy. So the day has arrived. This game really could go either way, both sides were not fancied at the beginning of the tournament but they have each showed glimpses of their quality. Wayne Rooney is key here, if he does a job by dropping back and putting pressure on Andrea Pirlo then we have a huge chance. The pass master has the ability to grab games by the scruff of the neck and dictate the pace of play, if you stop him then you stop the brain of the Italian side. I can see this going to penalties.
Scott Balaam – England 0-2 Italy. I was not blown away with how we played in the group stage, and whilst I was impressed at winning the group and avoiding Spain I think this will be the end of the road for Roy and Co. I fully expect Italy to be tight at the back, with the Inspirational Pirlo to pull the strings – As for goals, they will come from Antonio Cassano and a Mr Balotelli. PS. I hope I’m wrong!!!
Ben McAleer – England 0-0 Italy. The Spain – France encounter failed to live up to expectations and I can see both teams playing a very defensive, cagey encounter. England, to the surprise of many, qualified as group winners, meaning they avoided Spain. However, Italy aren’t to be taken lightly and despite heading into the tournament on a poor run of form, have just conceded twice during Euro 2012. Andrea Pirlo is key to the Azzuri and, as Paul mentioned, Wayne Rooney will need to drop deeper in order to hinder his impact. A penalty shoot-out to decide the encounter, with Italy winning 4-3.
George Powell- England 0-0 Italy. The game is bound to be cagey, both teams are good defensively and, of all the Quarter Final games, this one appears to be totally in the balance. Terry and Lescott will have to mark Cassano and Balotelli tightly, given space those two can be a real handful. The service that Balotelli and Cassano will recieve is very much down to Pirlo, so as Paul and Ben mention, Rooney or Welbeck could be vital in nullifying that threat, as the Juve man sits fairly deep. Some would say that we are owed a performance from Ashley Young, and his pace could be vital. Nevertheless, I see this game going to extra time and maybe penalties beyond.
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