Each day our exclusive MATCH OF THE DAQ service previews the big match of the day – usually a televised game.

As well as the preview we also bring you the head to head records of the two teams as well as a recommended bet on BETDAQ for the match.

Italy v Russia
International Friendly
KO 19:30

HEAD-TO-HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
09 Feb 2005 International Italy 2-0 Russia
15 Nov 1997 World Cup Qualifiers Russia 1-1 Italy
29 Oct 1997 World Cup Qualifiers Italy 1-0 Russia
11 June 1996 European Championships Italy 2-1 Russia

PREVIEW
Italy and Russia both travel to the Letizgrund Stadium in Zurich for their final warm up game before heading to Poland and Ukraine for the European Championships.

The teams sit side by side in the FIFA  world rankings with Russia one place above Italy in 11th position, the first time Russia have been above Italy in the rankings since 1997.

Italy’s preparations for the Euro’s have not gone smoothly and they have lost their last two games to the USA and Uruguay respectively. To add insult to injury, domestic Italian football has been called into disrepute amongst claims that match fixing is still very much prevalent in Serie A. This has also resulted in Cesare Prandelli dropping his first choice left-back Domenico Criscito from the squad for the Euro’s.

Russia haven’t faced any problems in their build up to the Euro’s and have thrived under Dick Advocaat’s guidance. After losing his first game in charge against Slovakia, Russia have not lost another competitive international fixture. This record results in the Russian’s coming into this game unbeaten in 13 fixtures. Their success has been based on solid defensive work demonstrated by conceding just two goals in their last nine.

Likewise, Italy’s defence is traditionally very well organised and they haven’t conceded more than one goal in a game since losing to Ireland in June last year. Six of Italy’s last seven games have produced fewer than 2.5 goals and a tight affair can be expected. Nine of Russia’s last ten fixtures have also produced under 2.5 goals and therefore punters should back under 2.5 goals at around 1.64 on BETDAQ.

RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back under 2.5 goals at around 1.64 on BETDAQ: 7 points

Thursday Return: +8.40 points
MAY RETURN TO DATE: +30.72 points

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