Italy look capable of beating Russia for a third time

Italy v Russia
Eurosport 1, 5pm Monday
Germany v Sweden
Eurosport 1, 7.45pm Monday

Italy have never failed to reach the last eight of the Women’s European Championship but they are perhaps drawn in the toughest group of all alongside Germany, Sweden and Russia.

Their opening Group B clash is against Russia, who qualified for the finals on goal difference and are the unknown quantity of the group.

However, they have been beaten twice by Italy in this tournament and while Antonio Cabrini's side have leaked 24 goals in their last seven friendlies, Melania Gabbiadini can lead Italy back to winning ways.

Monday's second Group B match between Germany and Sweden looks set to be a tight encounter. The teams have met in two Euro finals with the Germans winning on both occasions. It was the same story at last year's Olympics in Rio, where goals from Dzsenifer Marozsan and an own-goal from Sweden's Linda Sembrant sealed the gold medal for Steffi Jones's side.

Caroline Seger and Lotta Schelin are players to watch for Sweden, who are without Sofia Jakobsson through injury. Kosovare Asllani, who plays for Manchester City, is full of tricks and is just one of Pia Sundhage's players who could help Sweden lift their performance against familiar rivals.

The sides are hard to split and a draw at this early stage looks the most likely outcome.

Recommendations
Italy
2pts 29-10 188Bet
Germany v Sweden - draw
1pt 14-5 bet365