EURO 2012 UPDATE STATION: Can the Recent Italian Football Scandal Affect Italy’s EURO 2012 Bid?

The EURO 2012 is fast approaching. Yet, another high-profile scandal has rocked the world of European football less than a month before the culmination of Europe’s most celebrated football event, next to the World Cup. With the limelight focused on Italy’s Lazio and Juventus being involved in a high-profile game fixing scandal, a crucial question is raised: can those issues affect Italy’s preparation for the EURO 2012?

The Background of the Scandal

In brief detail, here are the important facts on the game fixing scandal between Lazio and Juventus:

- On May 28, Italian police raided the house of Domenico Criscito, a former defender of Juventus and Genoa who is currently playing for Russia’s Zenit and was recently drawn for Italy’s EURO 2012 team. Criscito was subsequently removed from Italy’s EURO 2012 roster.

- The same day, Lazio’s captain Stefano Mauri was also arrested alongside 13 other people. All of them were alleged of being involved in a game fixing scandal, which is still pending investigation up to this day.

- Manager Antonio Conte and defender Leonardo Bonucci, both coming from Juventus, are also under investigation as well.

- Two days after the raids by police on footballers, Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti proposed that football activities in Italy shall be suspended for 2 to 3 years following the game fixing investigations.

- Investigating authorities discovered the game fixing scandal after they found out that a player from Cremonese drugged his teammates in order to lose their game (full details on this one are still vague as of this writing).

- Right now, investigations are ongoing, extending towards other Italian football players that might be involved.

A Déjà Vu for Italy

The current football scandal is not the first one that tagged Italian football clubs as perpetrators. Last 2006, the infamous Calciopoli scandal tagged Italy’s top football clubs Juventus, AC Milan, Lazio, Fiorentina and Reggina as being involved in a game rigging scandal. The clubs were accused of choosing their favorite referees which will favor them back on the field.  The incident led to the punishment of top Italian football officials, including a top Juventus administrator, Lazio’s owner and several others.

Not Backing Out

Having recovered from the Calciopoli incident, the recent scandal has struck Italy anew with questions on the integrity of the Italian football. Yet, amidst of all those corruption issues, the Italian national team has expressed interest to continue on with their EURO 2012 campaign, even as coach Cesare Prandelli mentioned that it would not bother him if ever his team decides to withdraw.

Can Italy Redeem Itself in EURO2012?

With Italy being the home of some of Europe’s strongest football teams by career track records, supporters of Italy for EURO 2012 technically have no reason to worry about. For sure, members of the Italian national squad will never let their guard down in this year’s EURO. As a matter of redemption, there are more reasons why Italy has to raise the bar further. Not even its latest defeat against Russia at 3-0 during the EURO2012 warm-up games can lower its chances, as prominent critics like Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni suggest. All eyes are surely set on Italy in its first EURO 2012 appearance under Group C on June 11, 2012, 1:00 AM (GMT+ 8:00).

Excited Over EURO 2012 Events?

This weekend marks the start of the EURO 2012. Be sure to watch out for upcoming updates on your favorite teams. Go to 12BET.com now and discover an extensive range of EURO 2012 betting products that you can bet on.

Sandnes Ulf Haugesund Match Preview

Sandnes Ulf Haugesund Match Preview live at 12bet.com 5/28/2012 12:00AM GMT+8

English League One | Huddersfield Town vs. Milton Keynes Dons

The play off for English League one will be on 02:45 AM GMT8+ live at 12bet.


The teams that will be playing are Huddersfield Town vs. Milton Keynes Dons. Underdog score will be 0.5 and the underdog team is Milton Keynes Dons. 

HUDDERSFIELD Town took a big step towards Wembley with a solid win at MK Dons.

What did you make of the Town performances?

Here's the ratings from our Huddersfield Town reporter Doug Thomson.

IAN BENNETT

A top show by the seasoned stopper, whose late save from Jabo Ibehre could turn out to be crucial. 8

CALUM WOODS
Like Hunt, was given a test, but responded with spirit before being forced off by a toe injury on 51 minutes. 7

JACK HUNT
Occasionally caught out defensively, but got forward with real menace and his goal was a joy to behold. 7

SEAN MORRISON
A terrific performance by the on-loan Reading defender who rebuffed everything which came his way. 8

PETER CLARKE
The captain showed his desire and commitment by recovering from a blow to the head to complete the game. 8

SCOTT ARFIELD
No shortage of sweat and endeavour before he was forced off on 27 minutes after a knock to the ankle. 7

TOMMY MILLER
Linked well with engine-room partner Johnson to ensure Town to the grips with MK in the middle of the park. 8

DAMIEN JOHNSON
The experienced midfielder was a stand-out performer for Town and started the move which brought the opener. 8

JORDAN RHODES
Returned to the starting side after two games on the bench to telling effect. A well-taken 39th goal of the season. 8

LEE NOVAK
Couldn’t find the net despite several efforts, but the non-stop frontman still made a major contribution. 8

DANNY WARD
The wideman has had more influential games, but like the team as a whole, he kept going for the full 90. 7

SUBSTITUTES
Kallum Higginbotham (for Arfield, 27mins) 8;
Tom Clarke (for Woods, 51mins) 8;
Alan Lee (for Rhodes, 84mins) 7.

Uefa president has expressed his joy with the Bianconeri's Serie A success

Uefa president Michel Platini has has expressed his joy with the Bianconeri's Serie A success and feels the Old Lady thoroughly deserve their success.

Nevertheless, the former France international was unsure as to whether Juventus have the quality to fight for Champions League glory in the 2012-13 campaign.

"I am obviously neutral as Uefa president, but my heart still beats for Juve and I'm very happy for them. Their success is well deserved and I congratulate them with it," Platini stated in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.


More about Italy  Serie A  at www.12bet.com.

ITALY SERIE A - SPECIALS | Chievo vs AS Roma Match Preview

ITALY SERIE A - SPECIALS | Chievo vs AS Roma Match live 12:00 AM GMT+8

 

This is the last time video of the two teams watch and take some review.

From the video above, now who do you think will win in this match?

Bet now for your favorite team.

Premier liga match prview Aston Villa Vs Bolton Wanderers

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: 12BET odds Aston Villa Vs Bolton Wanderers 4/25 2:45AM GMT+8  

Villa have won just one of their last eight matches, but in typical Alex McLeish style, they have picked up four draws in that last eight. They are one of the lowest scoring teams in the league, with only Wolves and Wigan having managed less (and only one less at that), so banking on Villa for draws at the moment seems to be the sensible option. Because of their precarious position, they aren’t going to give too much away at the back.

This is a big match for Bolton, because they are four points away from safety, but have two games in hand over the teams above them. If Owen Coyle’s men can top up the point which they earned at home against Swansea on the weekend then they will give themselves a good chance of getting out of trouble. A win would actually pull Bolton in 18th place and only three behind Aston Villa, so things could get pretty interesting in the relegation battle.

Possible lineups: 


Villa: Given; Warnock, Cuellar, Baker, Hutton; Herd, Ireland, Albrighton; N'Zogbia, Weimann, Agbonlahor

Bolton: Bogdan; Ricketts, Wheater, Knight, Steinsson; Petrov, Reo-Coker, Ream, Eagles, Miyachi; Davies

 

City quartet in PFA team

Hart, Kompany, Toure & Silva named in Prem XI

 

Four of Manchester City's title-chasing team and three Tottenham players have been named in the PFA's Premier League Team of the Year.


England goalkeeper Joe Hart was selected between the posts while there were also places for defender Vincent Kompany and midfielders Yaya Toure and David Silva.


Tottenham had three players included, with England stars Kyle Walker and Scott Parker joined by last year's PFA Player of the Year Gareth Bale.


Wayne Rooney was the only representative from champions Manchester United with the league's top goalscorer, Arsenal's Robin van Persie, joining him in attack.


Champions League-chasing Newcastle have been the surprise package of the season and were represented in the XI by Argentina defender Fabricio Coloccini.


Everton full-back Leighton Baines was rewarded for another impressive season by being handed a place, meaning there were no representatives from Champions League semi-finalists Chelsea.

 

Premier liga match preview Manchester United Vs Everton

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: 12BET odds Manchester United Vs Everton 4/22 7:30PM GMT+8  

This game is setup to be a close one, United are the slight favourites due to home advantage, but Everton are capable of giving any team a tough game. Nikica Jelavic has scored 5 goals in his last 5 starts for the Toffees and he will look to make it 6 in this one. On the other hand Wayne Rooney has failed to net in his last 6 against his former club and boyhood team. The timely return of Nani has given Sir Alex another option on the wings which could be pivotal as we enter the final stage of the season.

Probable starting XIs:


Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Nani; Rooney, Welbeck

Everton: Howard; Hibbert, Distin, Heitinga, Neville; Osman, Gibson, Fellaini, Pienaar, Cahill; Jelavic

 

Premier liga match preview Arsenal Vs Chelsea

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: 12BET odds Arsenal Vs Chelsea 4/21 7:45PM GMT+8

Chelsea is in great form, and in excellent mood after winning at home against Barcelona in Champions League semi-finals. They are currently sixth in the Premiership table two points from place that leads to Champions League quallies. They also have seven points less and one game less played than Arsenal.

Arsenal is coming into this game after shocking defeat at home to low-placed Wigan. They are in third place, but have one match more that three teams that follows them (Tottenham, Newcastle and Chelsea).

Pep rejects Chelsea 'fantasy'

Barca boss Guardiola shrugs off talk of future Blues role

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has labelled reports linking him with a summer move to Chelsea as 'fantasy'. Blues owner Roman Abramovich has reportedly pinpointed Guardiola as his number one target to replace Andre Villas-Boas, who was sacked in February. The Russian is rumoured to be ready to offer the Spaniard a £10million-a-year contract to make the move to London in the summer. However, speaking ahead of the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between the two sides at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, Guardiola dismissed any talk of a move to the Blues. "It is fantasy, it's hypothetical," said the 41-year-old.

Wigan stun Gunners Di Santo and Gomez goals beat Arsenal

Early goals from Franco Di Santo and Jordi Gomez saw Wigan pull off a famous 2-1 win at Arsenal and move further from the relegation zone.

Di Santo scored the opener in the seventh minute after Wigan - who had never before claimed a point at the Emirates - had broken at speed from an Arsenal corner.

Gomez then netted Wigan's second just a minute later to further stun the home crowd after good work from Victor Moses.

The Gunners got back into the game whenThomas Vermaelen powerfully headed home Tomas Rosicky's cross on 21 minutes.

But Arsene Wenger's side could not get an equaliser as Wigan followed up their victory over Manchester United with another priceless win to pull five points clear of the relegation zone, having played two games more than 18th-placed Bolton.

It had been a bright start by Arsenal, who were looking to tighten their grip on third place, as Yossi Benayoun forced Ali Al Habsi into a fingertip save from his close-range header.

The Latics had brought a small following of only some 200, who had perhaps travelled more in hope than genuine expectation.

However, it was Roberto Martinez's side who took a shock lead on seven minutes.

Wigan broke quickly from an Arsenal corner through Gomez down the left, who clipped the ball through to the on-rushing Di Santo.

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny raced to the edge of his area, but was beaten to the ball and the Wigan striker went on to knock into an empty net.

Arsenal Vs Wigan Athletic football liga match preview

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: 12BET odds Arsenal Vs Wigan Athletic 4/17 3:AM GMT+8

Probable Line up:


Arsenal: Wojciech Szczesny, Bacary Sagna, Johan Djourou, Thomas Vermaelen, Andre Santos, Alexandre Song, Mikel Arteta, Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky, Yossi Benayoun, Robin van Persie

Wigan: Ali Al-Habsi, Antolin Alcaraz, Gary Caldwell, Maynor Figueroa, Emmerson Boyce, James McCarthy, James McArthur, Jean Beausejour, Victor Moses, Franco Di Santo, Shaun Maloney

 

Chelsea condemn fans Blues issue statement

Chelsea have been quick to issue a statement condemning a 'very small minority' who did not honour the moment's silence before their FA Cup semi-final.

Before the game with Tottenham at Wembley, fans and players alike were asked to observe a moment's silence in memory of the Hillsborough disaster and also for Italian footballer Piermario Morosini who died on Saturday. A small section of fans in the Chelsea end did not honour the silence and the club have now issued a statement condemning that behaviour.

"Chelsea Football Club is extremely disappointed that a very small minority of fans embarrassed the club today by not honouring the moment's silence before kick-off," read the statement. "Chelsea FC believes all moments of respect should be honoured and today we pay our full respects to all those that suffered as a result of the Hillsborough disaster 23 years ago."

Chelsea's interim manager Roberto Di Matteo was disappointed with the fans' actions.

He said: "We are extremely disappointed that a minority, or just a few, decided to speak or sing during the minute's silence and not respect it. We are disappointed." It is understood that Chelsea will work with Wembley and the Football Association to try to identify the fans responsible.

Manchester United Vs Aston Villa football liga match preview

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: 12BET odds Manchester United Vs Aston Villa 4/15 11PM GMT+8 

 

For Manchester United the injury situation remains the same as it was prior to the Wigan tie. Michael Owen, Anderson, and Anders Lindegaard are all unavailable but each is possible to return in the upcoming weeks. Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher remain out due to a season-ending injury and illness, respectively.

Meanwhil, as Aston Villa there are a plethora of injuries or illnesses limiting the Villa squad. Darren Bent, Richard Dunne, Fabian Delph, and Ciaran Clark are all unavailable due to injury. The availability of Chris Herd, Marc Albrighton, and Stephen Warnock is questionable as well. Stiliyan Petrov is sadly out due to his bout with Acute Leukaemia.

Martinez - Arsenal will be tough

Wigan boss expecting tough task at Emirates

Roberto Martinez is sure that Wigan's next Premier League game at Arsenal will be a much tougher task than when they defeated Manchester United.

The Latics upset the Premier League leaders with a 1-0 victory at home on Wednesday evening thanks to Shaun Maloney's second half effort. The victory was Wigan's first ever against United and lifted them two places up to 17th in the standings.

However, the Spanish boss feels the Monday night clash against third-placed Arsenal at Emirates Stadium - with the Gunners winners in nine of their last 10 league matches and their past seven at home in all competitions - is a more tricky proposition. "Probably this is an even tougher task," Martinez said. "We are going away from home and playing against a side which have been as successful as ever at home. "If you look at the last few performances they have been untouchable in the way they are playing their football, controlling games and scoring goals. "But we know that if we are at our best, we can be competitive against anyone."

Norwich City Vs Manchester City premier liga match preview

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: 1BET odds Norwich City Vs Manchester City 4/14 7:45PM GMT+8

Probable Lineup:

Norwich: John Ruddy, Russell Martin, Ryan Bennett, Elliott Ward, Kyle Naughton, Anthony 

Pilkington, David Fox, Jonathan Howson, Elliott Bennett, Aaron Wilbraham, Grant Holt

Manchester: Joe Hart, Micah Richards, Vincent Kompany, Joleon Lescott, Gael Clichy, Nigel de Jong, Gareth Barry, David Silva, Sergio Agüero, Samir Nasri, Carlos Tevez

Di Matteo calls for consistency

Chelsea boss wants FA disciplinary procedures overhauled

Roberto Di Matteo has criticised the way video technology is used after the Football Association found Branislav Ivanovic guilty of violent conduct.

The Chelsea boss will be without the defender for three games after the FA used retrospective video evidence to find Ivanovic guilty of striking Wigan midfielder Shaun Maloney.

The Italian was quick to point to the fact that QPR midfielder Shaun Derry failed to overturn his controversial red card at Manchester United this week, while Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli's studs-up challenge on Arsenal's Alex Song escaped retrospective punishment.

And Di Matteo called for consistency from the governing body as he prepares to face some of the most important games in Chelsea's season without one of his star performers.

Wigan Athletic Vs Manchester United premier liga match preview

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: 12BET odds Wigan Athletic Vs Manchester United 4/12 2:45AM GMT+8

The positive results keep on coming for United as they are unbeaten in their last 12 league ties -- this includes a current streak of 8 straight victories. The most recent match was on Sunday when they defeated Queens Park Rangers 2-0. The impressive form of the Red Devils, coinciding with Manchester City's dip in form, has resulted in the champions opening up an 8 point lead in the title race with only 6 matches remaining. There is still plenty of work to be done still but title number 20 is within clear sight

Wigan enter the match joint second bottom with QPR and Blackburn Rovers on points, however, they are in the relegation zone at the moment due to their inferior goal differential in comparison to both relegation rivals. The Latics are shining somewhat though as of late after suffering from defeat just twice in their last 9 league outings. It should really only be one defeat though because Martinez's men were robbed of at least a point last weekend versus Chelsea FC due to some dubious decisions from referee Mike Jones.

Manchester City Vs West Bromwich Albion football liga match preview

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: 12BET odds Manchester City Vs West Bromwich Albion 4/12 2:45AM GMT+8

 

Possible Lineup:

Manchester City (from): Hart, Pantilimon, Richards, Zabaleta, Lescott, Kompany, K Toure, Savic, Clichy, Kolarov, Nasri, Milner, Johnson, Barry, De Jong, Pizarro, Silva, Aguero, Dzeko, Tevez.

West Bromwich Albion (from): Foster, Daniels, Jones, Olsson, McAuley, Dawson, Shorey, Mulumbu, Scharner, Andrews, Dorrans, Tchoyi, Cox, Fortune, Long, Odemwingie, Hurst, Roofe, Berahino.

Kean sees bright future

Rovers boss believes fans see the bigger picture

Blackburn boss Steve Kean believes the future looks bright if they can secure Premier League survival

Rovers currently find themselves in the bottom three on goal difference, ahead of Tuesday's clash with Liverpool, but Kean remains confident they can get themselves out of trouble.

Kean has turned to youth this season in a bid to turn around Blackburn's fortunes and he believes if he can add a bit of experience to the side next term he can build a successful team at Ewood Park.

"It has been a real strange year for us," Kean told Sky Sports1HD. "What we have attempted to do is bring a lot of young players through and take the wage bill down.