Serbia V Italy Betting

Serbia V Italy – Friday 7 October, 2011 (19:45 GMT)

UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying, Group C

Serbia will hope to profit from the fact Italy have already qualified for the finals as section winners when they host the Azzurri on Friday knowing victory over the former European champions would give them an unassailable lead in the race for second. The Italians, though, take a very strong squad with them to Belgrade, where they’ve never lost an international encounter in three previous visits.

Their objective seems simple enough: register at least three points from their two remaining qualifiers and a play-off berth is theirs. Anything less, however, and any one of Estonia, Northern Ireland or Slovenia could profit at their expense. But their upcoming assignments are anything but straightforward. First Serbia host four-time World Cup winners Italy before travelling to Maribor to face a Slovenia side still in the hunt for second and needing a win to stand any chance of overhauling the Serbians.

I’m not sure which task poses more problems for Vladimir Petrovic and his Serbia team. The Italians have been irrepressible in qualifying so far; the Azzurri have won seven of eight qualifiers, plundering sixteen goals in the process whilst shipping a meagre one, while the fact Cesare Prandelli has named a strong squad for the clash signals the visitors’ intent in Belgrade. Then there’s a trip to Maribor to face Slovenia. The Slovenians can ill afford anything less than victory when the two reconvene on Tuesday, thirteen months after the two played out a 1-1 draw in Belgrade.

So, despite clearly being in the ascendency, there is still plenty of work to be done, many obstacles to be hurdled, before the White Eagles are presented with a two-legged play-off and a shot at qualification for a second consecutive major tournament, following their successful qualifying campaign for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

I cannot help but think Friday’s clash is the tougher of the two, against a quality outfit in glittering form. The Italians have triumphed in all but one of their eight qualifiers, drawing 0-0 in Northern Ireland last year, winning three of four away from home and keeping as many clean sheets on their travels. Serbia, meanwhile, have been inconsistent beyond belief, especially at home, drawing with Slovenia, struggling to see off Northern Ireland and shockingly going down 3-1 to Estonia – all in Belgrade.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli may decide to experiment a little, which is understandable, but those who are drafted in will be eager to put on a show ahead of next summer’s finals. Strikers Giampaolo Pazzini and Giuseppe Rossi are both doubtful for Friday’s game because of injuries, which only leaves the door ajar for the mercurial talent that is Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli and Parma’s in-form starlet Sebastian Giovinco. Goalkeeping supremo Gianluigi Buffon is back, as is one of the finest players ever to have embrace the beautiful game, 32-year-old midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic has been named in Serbia’s squad for the games with Italy and Slovenia despite not featuring in a competitive since August. The centre-half is a massive doubt for both games however, let alone Friday’s showdown with the Italians. On the plus side, Milos Krasic and Nikola Zigic are available after missing last month’s qualifying wins over Northern Ireland and the Faroe Islands.

The Italians look massively overpriced, in my opinion. Renowned for their unspectacular yet clinical style, it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if they made Serbia go to Slovenia next week still needing that elusive win to secure second spot in the group. And if there is to be a decisive goal, I suspect it will be netted late into the game.

Match Odds

Serbia – 13/10 VictorChandler

Draw – 12/5 StanJames

Italy – 23/10 Ladbrokes

Recommended Bet: Draw @ 12/5 StanJames

Value Bet: 0-0 Half-Time Correct Score @ 6/4 WilliamHill