Italy v Holland: Women's World Cup quarter-final betting preview, tip & TV

TV: BBC1, 2pm Saturday

Holland broke Japanese hearts with their last-gasp penalty in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup and they can make the semi-finals for the first time in their history by beating Italy.

Lieke Martens was the star of the show with a brace in that match but is just one of multiple talented forwards at their disposal.

Shanice van de Sanden has impressed with her pace and trickery in the final third and central striker Vivianne Miedema finished top scorer in the Women's Super League last season with Arsenal.

Italy have won the affection of neutrals by progressing to the last eight in their first World Cup in 20 years and they are the lowest-ranked side left in the tournament.

But they are yet to be tested by a truly dynamic attack and could struggle to keep out the Dutch, having conceded in their two most challenging contests in the tournament against Australia and Brazil.

Their hopes could hinge on the availability of Cristiana Girelli but even with the forward in the starting line-up, their inferiority could be clear to see.

The Dutch are competing in their first World Cup quarter-final but the current group are not short of experience on the biggest stage, having lifted the European Championship trophy in their own back yard in 2017.

Their inexperience at the back may cost them against the highest tier of opponent in the tournament's latter stages but Italy represent a winnable assignment for a group of Holland's calibre.

Recommendation
Holland
1pt 6-5 Coral

Key stat
Holland have scored in each of their last eight matches.

Team lowdowns

Italy
Strengths
Their unity and spirit. These players have a telepathic understanding, with ten of the 11 to have started their last 16 game with China plying their trade in Serie A and five at Juventus.

Weaknesses
Inexperience. While the majority of the team playing in Serie A brings its positives, it does mean these players are somewhat raw to playing the best players in the world, which could prove damaging as the tournament develops.

Key player
Barbara Bonansea is the standout player in Italy's attacking ranks, having scored 32 goals in 42 appearances for club side Juventus.

Holland
Strengths
An attacking armoury challenged only by the USA. Martens, van de Sanden and Miedema are devastating when they combine in the final third and are set on their way by Arsenal playmaker Danielle van de Donk.

Weaknesses
More aggressive opponents will be looking to exploit a lack of physicality at the back from the Dutch.

Key player
Miedema is yet to hit top gear at this World Cup, with only two goals to her name, but she was top scorer in the Super League last season and is deadly in front of goal.

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

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