posted June 9, 2008 at 14:48 in Soccer Articles

UEFA Euro Cup championships features Group C soccer betting action in the BetUS Sportsbook soccer betting market today. Dubbed as the “Group of Death“, Group C wagering begins Monday with 2006 World Cup finalists France taking on huge underdogs Romania and 2006 World Cup champions Italy taking on the Netherlands. With three European giants in soccer competing in this Group, betting on this foursome is sure to offer the online soccer betting community at BetUS many thrilss. So football lovers here is a look at the matchup between Netherlands and Italy in Group C, complete with a high quality analysis and soccer free picks to help you beat the bookie in this matchup of the 2008 UEFA Euro Cup championships.

Group C: Netherlands vs. Italy

Match Time: 02:45 PM Eastern Time, Monday June 9, 2008

Venue: Berne - Stade de Suisse

Soccer Betting Line:

Team: Netherlands PK +135

Money Line +220

Total Points: Over 2 +115

Total Team Points: Over 1 +125 Under 1 -155

Team: Italy PK -155

Money Line: +145

Total Points: Under 2 -135

Total Team Points: Under 1 -115 Over 1 -115

Draw +195

More Soccer Betting:

Netherlands +½ -165 Over 2½ +185 Italy -½ +145 Under 2½ -225

Netherlands -½ +230 Over 1½ -170 Italy +½ -270 Under 1½ +150 54 Draw

Analysis: The matchup between these two European giants will have far-reaching consequences on the outcome of Group C. There is no doubt this will be a battle of a match. To be sure, neither side is thrilled at facing such a tough contest in the opening rounds of the championships, but such was the luck of the draw.

The Italians, after winning the World Cup in 2006, enter the Euro Cup as the number one favourites. High hopes preceded their campaign, but they suffered a setback with the loss of Captain Cannavaro. Although the loss does not devalue their favourite odds significantly, on the pitch they will have a harder time without him. Overall though, Italy is great on all the lines. They have a scoring machine in Toni. They have the world’s best keeper and from the middle to the backlines they are deep in experience and talent from Pirlo to Gattuso and Ambrosini.

Netherlands enters disadvantage over Italy by a significant margin. The onus is on them to seize the victory. They will meet tough resistance from the Italians. They are a young team without any clear leadership on the field. Their defense is not the strongest but they have some comfort with Van de Saar – Manchester United keeper – guarding the posts for his country. The return of veterans Van Nistelroy and Van Bronckhorst gives the team some weight.

Betting Verdict: Oddsmakers consider this game to be a relatively open game – both teams are tipped on the underdog plane. However, Netherlands did not have an encouraging run up to the finals, failing against lesser teams. Now they face the World Cup champions. If history were an indication, this game should be all Italy.

Soccer Free Picks: Italy @ +145

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room