SlipsTips takes a look at the Bet Builder market ahead of the much-anticipated opening match of Euro 2020 on Friday night
Turkey vs Italy (Friday, 20:00)
Following a year-long delay, Euro 2020 finally gets underway on Friday night when Turkey take on Italy in Rome.
Roberto Mancini's resurgent Italians enter the competition in the midst of an impressive 27-game unbeaten streak and as such are among the favourites to conquer the continent at 15/2 (PaddyPower).
Turkey, meanwhile, are one of the tournament dark horses, and they are a lively side with the potential to bloody a few noses – they took four points off outright favourites France in qualifying.
Italy are a general 1/2 to start their finals campaign with three points but they are unlikely to have things all their own way against a Turkey team who have lost just one of their last 13 matches.
With that in mind, I'm going to swerve the match result market at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday night and instead head to Bet 365‘s Bet Builder.
If we combine under five-match goals, over zero Turkey cards and over two Turkey corners we will be presented with a backable 4/5 (Bet 365) punt.
History shows that opening matches at European Championships have a tendency to be tight affairs, with no side having won the curtain-raiser by more than one goal in over 40 years.
What's more, Italy's strength is in defence and they go into this Group A opener having not conceded in eight games.
Turkey, on the other hand, shipped just three goals in qualifying, chalking up an eye-catching clean sheet against star-studded France in the process.
With that in mind, I'm happy to side with under five-match strikes in Rome on Friday night, but in order to boost up the price, I'll throw over Turkey zero cards into the mix.
Senol Gunes' side have seen at least one card in each of their last 13 competitive contests and we have a decent referee appointment here in Dutchman Danny Makkelie who was averaging 5.38 cards per game in the Champions League this season.
I'll complete the Bet Builder with over two Turkey corners – The Crescent Stars will look to hit the Italians on the counter-attack, not to mention they have hit three or more flag kicks in each of their last 13 international assignments.
Recommended Bet
- Under 5 Match Goals, Over 0 Turkey Cards & Over 2 Turkey Corners – Bet Builder – 4/5 (Bet 365)
Freelance Sports Writer and Betting Analyst with over five years experience. I’ve written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. With a strong passion for the fascinating world of Scottish football, I also regularly feature in Nutmeg, the much-loved Scottish football magazine. Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. Feel free to follow me on X @SlipsTips
Slips bet builders this season have been nothing short of outstanding ,so for the euros I’m following slip everyday I’m sticking a fiver on the first builder and hopefully 🙏 putting on the whole winnings day after day let’s see how long that lasts 🤷