-Betting-Odds.jpg "2015-Croatia-vs-Italy-(UEFA)-Betting-Odds")
Odds have it, both Italy and Croatia are going to end up qualifying for Euro 2016 out of Group H, as there really shouldn't be any serious contenders aside from these two. Still, there is a lot to play for here, especially for Croatia.
The Croats can take a five-point edge in the group over the Italians with a win which, for all intents and purposes, would clinch their spot in the Euros next year.
ODDS ANALYSIS
This match is basically a pick 'em, as the Asian handicap is lined at PK -115 in slight favor of Croatia in this one.
It's probably a tad bit of a surprise for some to see the traditionally powerful Italians lined as very slender underdogs, but do remember that five matches into Euro 2016 qualifying, Croatia is two points and nine goals better than Italy is.
Croatia can be had at +130 on the three-way line, while Italy is at +150.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"The coach tends to select midfielders who work a lot off the ball and create space for the forwards, which is not my strength. I'd do a lot better in front of the defense." – Italy midfielder Marco Verratti, who has essentially taken over for Andrea Pirlo as a creative midfielder given some creative license
RECENT FORM
Croatia has thrashed its last two foes with no issue whatsoever. Norway and Gibraltar were both downed by four goals, and the only non-positive results this team has had since a disappointing World Cup came against this Italian side (a 1-1 draw) and versus Argentina (a 2-1 loss).
Italy hasn't lost a match since the World Cup, but we know these results have been anything but sterling. A 1-1 draw in Torino against England in a March friendly was an acceptable result, but prior to that, a 2-2 draw against Bulgaria, a slender 1-0 win over Albania at home and that aforementioned draw against Croatia weren't exactly overwhelming results. Even prior to that, a 1-0 win at Malta and a 2-1 win at home against Azerbaijan probably should have been stronger. Remember too, that that Bulgaria match was a loss waiting to happen in Sofia before a very late equalizer by Eder.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Italy really could have a tough time in this fixture. Split is one of the toughest places to go play in the world right now, as the Croats have really dominated on their home turf, and Italy hasn't played together as a national team since March, which could be a real cause for concern.
Furthermore, Eder isn't going to be available in this match either, which is only going to make finding striker options all the more difficult for manager Antonio Conte.
Alessio Cerci and Alessandro Matri might be stuck by themselves at the front of the form, which is going to put a lot of pressure on a midfield which very well might not feature Andrea Pirlo to create.
The first match in Milan was played to a 1-1 draw, but history definitely is against Italy in this one. Croatia has actually managed at least a draw in seven straight duels against the Italians in spite of the fact that the latter certainly have the better history.
This could be a huge day for Croatia, as we think it can get these three points to put a chasm between itself and the Azzurri in Euro 2016 qualifying.
Croatia 2, Italy 0
BookMaker has Euro 2016 lines for every match of the season. Croatia is lined as a +130 moneyline favorite. You can make a futures bet and predict the champion, wager on head-to-head matchups or use BookMaker’s live betting feature to gamble while the match is happening.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The fixture between Croatia and Italy is scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2015, at 2:45 p.m. ET at Stadion Poljud in Split, Croatia. The match will be televised live on ESPN2.
