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Portugal U21 vs. Italy U21 5/31/21 UEFA U21 Euro Cup Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Portugal U21 vs. Italy U21
May 31, 2021 3:00 pm EDT
The Line: Over 2.5 +110, Under 2.5 -143
(Get latest betting odds)

Portugal U21 and Italy U21 are clashing at Stozice Stadium in the U21 Euro Cup derby in the quarterfinals.

Portugal has been on fire, and I think it’s safe to say that they are the best youth teams in the world. Portugal is on an 11-game winning streak, while they haven’t lost in their last 12 games overall. In the group stage of this competition, Portugal has had 3 wins alongside 6 scored goals, and 0 conceded goals and they were in a group with England and Croatia. Leao, Fernandes, Vitinha, and Dalot are Portugal’s best players, while Trincao is their leading goalscorer with 2 goals. In their last game against Switzerland, Portugal was the dominant team with an impressive 65% of ball possession, 8 shots on goal, 3 corner kicks, 4 big chances created, and a high 91% of the correct passes. With an early goal in the 3rd minute, Switzerland’s faith was sealed, and with 2 more scored goals in the second half, Portugal has won this match 0-3. Portugal is definitely the biggest favorite to win this competition, but that is not the reason to relax, and I don’t think they will because they know what is at stake.

Italy is also in good form, but they have won only 1 game in the group stage, and they have conceded 5 red cards in those 3 games, which is just stupid. Italy is also a solid team with some experienced players, and Cutrone is their leading goalscorer with 2 goals. In their latest game against Slovenia in the group stage, Italy has had 61% of ball possession, a massive 10 shots on goal, 4 corner kicks, 7 big chances created, and 85% of the correct passes. This game was over in the first half when Italy has scored 3 goals, and they have even scored 1 more goal in the second half. Even with Italy conceding a red card in this game, Slovenia didn’t stand a chance, and Italy has won this game 4-0. Because of those red cards, Italy will be without some important players in this game, and against a team like Portugal, it might cost them a lot.

Portugal has beaten Italy only once in the past, but their form is much better now, and they are the best youth team in the world. Italy is not a bad team, but they are not that good on the defensive end, and for that reason, I will side with Portugal in this one.

Goran Kucar's Free Pick: Portugal -106

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Goran Kucar

I was born and raised in Croatia, and with that, I was raised with soccer all around me. I love playing soccer, watching soccer, and now I love writing and handicapping soccer at PickDawgz and SportsChatPlace.

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