England vs. Italy: 10 Bold Predictions for Euro 2012 Quarterfinal 4

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England and Italy will meet in the last match of the quarterfinal round. Bleacher Report is looking to make some bold predictions about what will happen in this game.

The winner advances to the semifinal round to face Germany, who defeated Greece 4-2 in their quarterfinal meeting.

Neither of these teams is considered a favourite among the remaining heavyweights, but they are certainly on equal standing for their game.

Here are 10 bold predictions for England vs. Italy.

There Will Be an Early Goal

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Andy Carroll has scored the fastest goal for either side with his strike against Sweden in the 23rd minute of that game. While that isn't a long time, we are looking at something inside 15 minutes for this game.

Why? The nature of these teams might make it a long afternoon if no early goal is scored.

Both sides are due an early goal, and with a possible nervy start between two cautious teams, it could happen. It would certainly help some of these other predictions come through.

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It Will Be an Exciting Game

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These two teams certainly have a more defensive mindset and may give us the most boring game of the quarterfinal stage.

Their fans certainly won't care as long as they win, but for the neutrals it may be a long night, or afternoon depending on where you are.

If an early goal comes, it could be an exciting match. That has been the case with most other games in the tournament so far, and we shall hope the same happens here.

It Will Be High-Scoring

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England has scored five goals so far in the tournament, and Italy has four. They are among the leaders of the pack where that is concerned.

With talents such as Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Young on one side and Mario Balotelli, Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Cassano on the other, let's hope their respective coaches' potentially cautious plans will be thrown to the wind thanks to some individual brilliance.

It doesn't really matter where the goals come from in the end, just as long as they do come.

There Will Be No Extra Time

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Going along with the idea that this will be a free-scoring, exciting game, let's nix extra time as well.

If the game plays out as expected, with two cautious teams, it could very well go into extra time, as a game with two teams playing in a defensive manner would rarely yield a mistake.

On the other hand, if some of the previous predictions occur, the game could finish within 90 minutes.

An early goal by either side would change the complexion of the game, and the team with more firepower in attack would win it in regulation.

Theo Walcott Will Repeat His Sweden Performance

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Speaking of individual brilliance, Theo Walcott has the potential to repeat his match-winning performance from England's game against Sweden.

It is definitely bold to say that the Arsenal attacker can produce another goal and assist in a game of this magnitude. The only possibility of that happening is if the game begins to open up and Roy Hodgson decides to use Walcott's pace to alter things.

Italy's Goals Will Come from Open Play

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With a game that is expected to feature tightly packed defenses, it is a bit bold to say that anyone will score from open play.

Three of Italy's four goals have come from set pieces. One was a direct free kick, and two were from corners.

Of the three strikers Italy has played, only Antonio Di Natale has scored from open play, and Antonio Cassano has yet to open his account. Mario Balotelli produced one of the goals of the tournament so far, but it came from a corner.

One of these players could do the job inside the box. If they can't, Italy has some pretty good long-range shooting with all four of its likely starting midfielders: Andrea Pirlo, Thiago Motta, Claudio Marchisio and Daniele De Rossi.

England Will Dominate the Midfield

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Why is this bold, you may ask? Unless Roy Hodgson changes from his 4-4-2 setup, the English could be overrun in the middle.

Italy could line up in midfield just as they did against Ireland with Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo, Thiago Motta and Claudio Marchisio in the starting lineup. That is a lot of quality.

Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker would then be facing four midfielders who, as a group with their collective skills, should be able to dominate the midfield.

The men in the middle from England will certainly need help from their wingers, and maybe even a forward, to shut their opponents down. With players like Ashley Young and James Milner on either side, it just may happen.

If It Goes to Penalties, England Will Win

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The penalty history of both these teams in major tournaments is well documented. Both have had their successes and disappointments, but it's safe to say that if it came down to it, Italy would be favoured in penalties.

Though the Italians have their share of players with the ability to score pressure penalties, England can count on a number of players such as Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Young and Ashley Cole.

There's a good chance players like Leighton Baines, one of Everton's primary penalty-takers, and Jermain Defoe could come off the bench for that very purpose.

Joe Hart's not too bad in goal either.

Mario Balotelli Will Shine

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Whether he gets the nod from the start or comes off the bench, Mario Balotelli could make a real impact in this game.

He will be playing against a lot of familiar opponents and two Manchester City teammates in the defensive area of things. That kind of familiarity has its positives and negatives for players on both sides.

If Balotelli really wants to silence the critics, this game would provide a great platform for the young Italian to make his mark. He certainly has the talents to do it.

There Will Be a Goal-Line Controversy

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England has been involved in two goal-line controversies in each of the last major tournaments. Any chance that a third will occur? Not that we are hoping for controversy surrounding another game in which the English are involved.

With a game that is supposed to be really tight and could be decided by one goal, the circumstances surrounding the goal could end up being a dubious one.

One could see scenarios such as a defensive mistake leading to a last-ditch effort to clear the ball, or some individual effort being hacked away at the line.

Again, we are not really hoping for a controversy, but it could happen.