Having emerged successfully from the “Group of Death” Italy can see off the so far sizzling Spaniards in what has all the makings of a classic quarter-final encounter.

The Azzurri were written off as no-hopers following their 3-0 drubbing against Holland and a lacklustre 1-1 draw with the Romanians. But Roberto Donadoni´s men showed all their survival instincts to come fighting back with a 2-0 win over inept France to cement their spot in the quarters.

Luis Aragones´s Spain are in tip-top form with wins against Russia, Sweden and Greece but there still remain huge question marks over their “bottle” for the knockout stages of tournaments.

Will their reputation as tournament chokers prevail and have they already peaked with those impressive group wins?

Indeed, there could be similar comparisons with the 2006 World Cup when Italy started poorly and improved throughout whereas the Spanish started like a Ferrari only to burn out.

Examine Italy´s silverware cupboard with that of Spain´s and you get a clue as to which side will handle the occasion best.

totesport.com install Italy as underdogs for this match which seems reasonable considering Spain´s brilliant group efforts. But the World Champion Italians are packed with tournament winning pedigree and that could well swing the punting pendulum in their favour.

Not so pretty on the eye, but they have the tools to get the job done in Vienna.

Don´t be surprised if Italy have to go to extra-time and penalties to book their place in the semis but they should do it. Totesport have plenty of markets around that eventuality.

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