Italians coming good when it really matters

Jun 22 2008

WORLD champions Italy failed to get off to a flier at Euro 2008 and deserved to be beaten by Holland in their opening game.

The Italians have a reputation of being slow starters but appear to be coming good at the right time in this tournament - when the men are separated from the boys.

They have a tough game tonight against Spain but I think Italy will win and go through to the semi-finals. They showed bottle to see off France in their last game and will do the same in this one.

Yes, they are without suspended duo Andrea Pirlo and Rino Gattuso but they have quality in Gigi Buffon, Luca Toni, Christian Panucci, Antonio Cassano and Daniele De Rossi. That will see them through but it could take extra-time and penalties.