Italy vs Northern Ireland prediction for Thursday’s World Cup qualifier clash at Stadio Ennio Tardini in Parma. One of the most in-form national teams in Europe Italy host Northern Ireland in the Group C opening match for both teams. Read on for our free prediction and betting tips.
After the 2018 absence, Italy is back stronger
After failing to qualify for the last World Cup for the first time since 1958, Italy will make sure they have a good start as they face Northern Ireland. The Azzurri are a much better side under coach Roberto Mancini than they were four years ago.
Italy are unbeaten in 22 matches. They have reached the UEFA Nations League semi-final without any defeats in their group matches, winning three and drawing three, scoring seven goals, conceding two, and having four clean sheets,
Italy are playing much better football. Mancini has his team playing very high-intensity pressing game on their opponents which resulted in many clean sheets and in the attacking third the Italians have dominated their games with over 60% possession of the ball in two of their last three games.
Northern Ireland to battle for a playoff spot
Northern Ireland travel to play Italy with completely different performance in their Nations League games than their hosts. The Irish finished bottom of their group in League B having lost four matches and drawn two. They haven’t won a competitive match in 12 games.
Goals haven’t been coming easy for coach Ian Baraclough’s team as they have scored four in the last five matches.
Northern Ireland are seeking their first qualification to the World Cup since 1986 and their first goal against Italy since 1958. Coach Baraclough knows his team has to battle for the playoff spot in this group with Switzerland, Bulgaria, and Lithuania which seems a difficult task.
Key Stats
Italy vs Northern Ireland Prediction
The bookies are paying 1.15 for a home win. We will look for a more profitable market. If we look at the goals scored in the last matches of both teams we notice that Italy have an average of just over one goal scored in six matches.
While Northern Ireland have an average of just under one goal per game in six matches. Italy have a strong defense and it will be hard for the Irish to score. In Italy’s last six matches under 3 goals were scored. In N. Ireland’s last six matches three or fewer goals have been scored.
Italy vs Northern Ireland betting Tips
Under 3.5 Total Match Goals 1.40 or ⅖ at William Hill
Over 2.5 total Match Goals 1.73 or 8/11 at William Hill