One of the most attractive fixtures of the opening round pits World Champions Italy against the Netherlands.

CLICK HERE to Watch Netherlands vs Italy Live Online from Just £5.99 ($12)!

Group C - the “group of death” produces the pick of the first round matches as World Cup holders and world number three Italy come up against an always talented and eager Netherlands squad. As the highest ranked team in the tournament, many will expect Italy to repeat their World Cup triumph of 2006, but they will need to play their best football from day one against stiff opposition if they wish to advance even to to the knockout phase of the tournament.

Italy’s 23-man squad is officially the oldest team entered into the tournament, and they will be relying on the value of experience to make up for what they lack in energy and pace. Known for their conservative style and their impenetrable defense, this year’s team will not disappoint as Cannavaro and Zambrotta lead a defensive line backed by the amazing skill of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

The tenacity and aggression of midfield legend Gattuso is well complemented by the set-piece expertise of Pirlo, while Luca Toni and the mercurial Allessanrdo Del Pierro spearhead the Azzurri attack. Criticzed for defending too much, particularly after going one goal ahead, it will be a challenge for the Italians to maintain a high standard of play for the full 90 minutes against such tough opponents.

The Netherlands have not beaten the Italian since 1978, and their last meeting in Euro 2000 resulted in a dramatic 3-1 victory for the Italians on penalties. Despite this, the game is anyone’s call as to who will come out victorious.

SoccerAdvise.com Free Soccer Pick

As World Cup winners two years ago, Italy will be favourites to beat the Netherlands but opening fixtures are always tough to call. The Netherlands are arguably not the side they once were and there are concerns about the central midfield pairing. Italy are taking the oldest squad of the lot to Euro 2008 and there is no doubt they will do their usual thing of “just doing enough to get through”. With matches against France and underdogs Romania to come, the Italians may see an opening match draw as a satisfactory result.
SoccerAdvise.com Verdict: Draw @ 3.1 Bet365 - £100 FREE BET!
Other Odds:
Netherlands @ 3.2 Bet365 - £100 FREE BET! Italy @ 2.6 Skybet - £20 FREE BET!

ORDER NOW! Watch Netherlands v Italy Online in Minutes!

Watch Netherlands v Italy and other live football matches online and access free live football on the internet for life! Simply choose a live football package from the options below and enjoy some amazing live Euro 2008 action!

It’s easy! Just pick one of the following packages and make your one-off payment securely by Paypal or by using your credit or debit card, processed securely by Clickbank.

BASIC PACKAGE - ACCESS 800+ CHANNELS
ONE-OFF FEE: FOR £5.99 ($12)

Purchase the Basic Package for just £5.99 ($12) and enjoy access to over 800 online channels! This is the cheapest offer of online entertainment anywhere!

With this package you should locate many of the high-profile mma matches, sporting events and other movies, music and entertainment streams!

Please note, you will not receive the bonus gifts associated with the below packages!

PRO PACKAGE - ACCESS 2,800+ CHANNELS
ONE-OFF FEE: £19 ($39.95)

Purchase the Pro Package for just £19 ($39.95) and access over 2,800 online channels!

Additionally, you will also receive these amazing bonus gifts:

FREE unlimited MOVIE Downloads!
FREE unlimited TV Show Downloads!
FREE unlimited MP3 Downloads!
FREE CD/DVD Copy Software & more worth $550+!

TITANIUM PACKAGE - ACCESS 4,000+ CHANNELS
ONE-OFF FEE: £49 ($99.95)

Purchase the Titanium Package for just £49 ($99.95) and access over 4,000 online channels!

Additionally, you will also receive these amazing bonus gifts:

FREE unlimited MOVIE Downloads!
FREE unlimited TV Show Downloads!
FREE unlimited MP3 Downloads!
FREE CD/DVD Copy Software & more worth $550+!

Further information on all of the packages available at SoccerAdvise.com can be found on the packages page.