italy

Las Vegas - C'mon with me for a quick afternoon trip to Rome where Italy is hosting Turkey in the opening game of Euro 2020. Yea, 2020. Why? Because it was postponed last year due to COVID-19. Euro 2020, for those not familiar, is a test of the national teams, and MOLTO IMPORTANTE, very important, because the World Cup is coming up in November of 2022 in Qatar. Like the Azzurri in this spot, not just because they are at home in the Stadio Olimpico, but because they are on some kind of CRAZY roll. Ever since Roberto Mancini took over, the team has been MAGNIFICO! They have gone UNDEFEATED during their last 27 outings, TWENTY SEVEN! And even more impressive is the goal production and defense. They have found the back of the net SEVENTY times and conceded just 14, which is a RIDONKULOUS PLUS FIFTY SIX goal differential. And the Italian fans will be chanting 'Campioni del mondo,' world champion, to the tune of 'Seven Nation Army' by the White Stripes. Jack White, the Azzurri and the White Stripes is an amazing trifecta, and that's why Turkey will head back to Istanbul with a loss.

Back to the NBA and it's difficult to make a strong play to the 76ers when Joel Embiid is one bang away from another MRI scan. However, the little meniscus tear in his right knee didn't pose any problems in game two. Joel went NUTZ with 40 points and 13 boards. And with three days to rest and get treatment, the knee "should be" fine. Should be is NOT a medical term because as you all know, I'm not a doctor, but still am nervous. And what makes me more nervous is the Hawks record at the State Farm Arena in the ATL. They've pitched a 13-0 straight up PERFECTO at home since the middle of April, with a bank account-fattening 11-2 (85%) record against the spread. Everyone's gonna think about flinging a box of popcorn at me, but will be taking a small taste of the Hawks to cover. But, if Embiid has to sit out game three, then we go ALL IN, both hands, on Atlanta.

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