In every major football competition it seems that there is always a “Group of Death” and Group C in the 2008 European Championships looks like it could lay claim to that unofficial title. With France, Italy, Netherlands and Romania locking horns in Zurich and Berne there are bound to be some upsets and with free bets available from Betfair and Skybet you can cash in on the action.

France needs no introduction having won the European Championships in 1984 and 2000 and also making the final of the 2006 World Cup. Despite having an arsenal of superstars at their disposal, France suffered two shock defeats to Scotland and were held to a 2-2 draw by the Ukraine, during their qualifying section where they finished 2nd behind Italy having only conceded five goals. France will want to better their quarter-final finish in the 2004 competition, where they lost to eventual champions Greece.

Current World Champions, Italy, will be amongst the favourites in the betting to win the 2008 European Championships as they look to vastly improve their horrific 2004 campaign where they failed to make the knockout stages. The job of newly appointed coach, former Italian international, Roberto Donadoni was under threat after a shock 1-1 draw with Lithuania was followed by a 3-1 hammering at the hands of France but they turns things around and won nine of their last ten games to qualify as group winners to show why the Italians are a force to be reckoned with.

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The Netherlands last won this competition back in 1988 when, now head coach, Marco van Basten finished as top scorer. Historically the Netherlands have produced some of the greatest players in the world but for some unknown reason it seems that the best players do not necessarily make the best team. Many pundits are saying this year is their best chance of winning a major competition, after reaching the semi finals in both 2000 and 2004, as van Basten has brought through many of the 2006 and 2007 U21 Championship winning team through to the senior squad. Romania are the lowest ranked team out of the four in group C but after a great qualifying campaign which saw them finish top of Group G, ahead of the Netherlands, nobody will entirely write off their hopes. With only one defeat in qualifying for the 2008 European Championships and with star striker Adrian Mutu and Ciprian Marica netting 11 goals between them, they could have an outside betting chance of going past the quarter finals, a place they achieved back in 2000.

Betfair and Skybet are offering free bets up to the value of £25 which can be used for the group stages of the Championships. With options such as who will qualify, who will be the top scorer and many options during the matches, you will be spoiled for choice if football betting is your thing.

Holland v Italy Free Bet preview