It’s the fifth day of EuroBasket 2022 and the third day of action in Group C in Milan. The evening game is Ukraine taking on hosts Italy
Where and when?
Mediolanum Forum, Milan, Italy. Tip off: 21.00 CEST, 20.00 BST, 11.00 EST, 08.00 PST
Record to date
Ukraine 2-0 (W vs Great Britain, W vs Estonia)
Italy 1-1 (W vs Estonia, L vs Greece)
What do the bookies say?
Italy are clear favourites here at 1/5 while Ukraine are 9/2. The point spread favours Italy with -10.5 points.
What do we say?
The rest day is a huge factor here as Italy will have been emotionally exhausted after coming oh so close against Greece. Ukraine will be in a similar boat mentally, having survived Estonia in a must-win game.
That means Ukraine can be a touch more relaxed about this game, with both of their must-win victories recorded. That makes them dangerous as fear of defeat won’t be as big a factor. Italy however have that combination of Simone Fontecchio’s clear talent and Olimpia Milano chemistry going in their favour coupled with the desire to put on a show for the home fans.
The pick
The straight up is easy, Italy for the W. The spread is delicately balanced but I’m going with Italy with the points but only just.
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