Northern Ireland – Italy : Preview & Prediction
Tied on points with Switzerland (15 points), Italy is not guaranteed to keep this first place and will have to win in Belfast by trying to score the most goals to keep a better goal difference over the Nati (+ 2 currently). The Squadra Azzurra had won the first round quite easily (2-0) on achievements of Berardi and Immobile. The Transalpines put the pressure on this last day, they who could have beaten Switzerland (1-1) this Friday if Jorginho had managed to score the victory penalty in the 90th minute. Nevertheless, Italy has its destiny in hand, it which has only 1 defeat in its last 40 meetings. Victorious in Bulgaria (2-0) and Lithuania (2-0) then author of a good draw in Switzerland (0-0), Italy travels very well and defensively is very solid! Northern Ireland has just painfully beat Lithuania (1-0) on the last day on a csc from Satkus at the start of the match. This lucky victory breaks its downward spiral of 3 unsuccessful matches against Switzerland (0-0), Switzerland (2-0) and Bulgaria (2-1). But Northern Ireland, 3rd, is very limited in its game and seems promised a 4th defeat in these Qualifications.
Italy are unbeaten in these Qualifiers.
Squadra Azzurra have the best offense (13 goals) and defense (2 goals) of the group.
Northern Ireland has not scored against Italy in their last 5 matches.
Italy won the first leg 2-0.
Northern Ireland have lost 2 of the last 3 matches.
Italy, in the fight with Switzerland, for the first place, should manage to beat Northern Ireland and validate its direct qualification for the next World Cup.
Northern Ireland – Italy : Betting Tips
Italy – Win Odds: 1.25
Both teams to score / YES – Odds: 1.70
Over 2.5 Goals – Odds: 1.70
