EURO Tuesday

Italy oblige with a coprehensive victory over a disappointing France, to send the French home winless

When Holland, Italy, France and Romania were selected together at the draw for Euro 2008, the token labelling of a Group of Death was a no-brainer. Nobody could have predicted what has unfolded in the opening two sets of matches however and the action on Tuesday night promises to be must watch TV.

With top spot already assured, courtesy of two sparkling victories over the World Cup finalists, Holland now play Romania and a win for the pre-tournament group outsiders would eliminate Italy and France who meet in Zurich. Conspiracy theories are bound to surface, but the fact remains that the Dutch have earned the right to do whatever they like in their final match and were their ‘hearts not in it’ then who could blame them.

While France have performed abysmally at the finals, I do feel a touch sorry for the Italians. They were undone three times on the counter-attack by the ruthless men in orange, having enjoyed large amounts of possession, and really should have beaten Romania when clearly the superior side.

Adrian Mutu’s failed effort from twelve yards with just minutes left in that match prolonged Italy’s stay in the finals and one can’t help but feel that Gigi Buffon’s miraculous save will have buoyed Robert Donadoni’s men. The Azzurri still need a huge favour from the 1988 winners but I think that France look a team in turmoil and just who is likely to score goals for them is a complete mystery.

With Italy on side in the outright, I was tempted just to leave the final round of matches alone. The 2.50 available on Italy coming out on top was just too big to ignore however, and it looks a price worth taking.

Whether four points will be enough for Italy to progress only Romania, and Holland for the cynical amongst you, have a say in that but the tournament, and my wagers, will be better off if they do survive and should they make the last eight then nobody could confidently rule them out going all the way once again.