Pick of the Day - June 24th

BY: NEIL BRASLOW

Overall: 48-33-2
Week: 2-4
Month: 14-8-1

England (+175) OVER Italy

The statistic is a bit odd but it is interesting to note that England has only beaten a previous World Cup or Euro winner once on foreign soil in knockout play (Denmark in Japan 2002). In addition, England has only played Italy 6 times over the history of both great soccer countries, with Italy winning 4 of those games. With all that said, this game has penalty shootout written all over it. If it comes down to penalty kicks, it will be Hart for England and Buffon for Italy.

Assuming it goes to a shootout, things will get interesting. Both teams are historically awful in shootouts with England having a record of 1-5 and Italy 2-5. After that analysis it seems like the statistics are pointing to Italy, but something about this English team seems different. They seem to be playing a bit looser than English teams of the past and might be tough enough to withstand the immense pressure that comes with playing for the national team. Hart has come into his own in goal, and I expect we might be seeing a bit of changing of the guards if he is able to defeat Buffon. Finally, you can never underestimate the fact that these Italians might throw the game with their history of gambling scandals. Take England.

Posted in: Neil Braslow,Pick of the Day