Spain Vs. Italy, Euro 2012: Lines, Odds And Picks

Spain vs. Italy is supposed to be a heavyweight match-up that is the highest of the highest levels off soccer. It's supposed to be played in the semifinals or finals and it is supposed to captivate the world. instead, it is a group stage match that looks like a mismatch. The world is upside down, or fixed.

Fixed, you say? That's partly why this match is looking like such a mismatch. A match fixing scandal in Italy has smacked the national team in its face and left it seeing stars, but not the good kind. Naturally, we must bet.

Lines: Spain, -1/2 (-125). Italy, +1/2 (+105).

Odds: Spain, -125. Italy, +350. Draw, +235.

Over/Under: Over 2, -115. Under 2, -105.

How Spain is only favored by half a goal and can still get -125 is incredible. The are the superior team even when Italy has all of their players, is fit and is in form. Against this Italy, rocked by scandal and not at full strength, they are heavy favorites, only the line doesn't show it. Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso will put the shackles on Sebastian Giovinco and Claudio Marchisio, leaving Andrea Pirlo without many options and Mario Balotelli to fight the Spain defense by himself. Unless Christian Maggio has a blinder and stretches Spain wide, they are going to be inept in the attack and Spain will take an easy win.

Almost as good of a bet as Spain is the under. Spain won all of the World Cup knockout stage match by a 1-0 scoreline and that was with David Villa. Without him, they have to rely on Fernando Torres. Good luck with that. The Spaniards will nick a goal then pass the ball around without threatening the goal until the final whistle goes and the under pays out.

We'll have live coverage of the game in our Spain vs. Italy, Euro 2012 StoryStream. For more on Euro 2012 and the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on Twitter.