World Cup

Italy 17/20 on the -1 Handicap Leads the Value Ahead of Crucial World Cup Qualifier

48 minutes ago

| BY Sam McLoughlin

Italy -1 Handicap at 17/20 looks the play for this one, whilst a 2-0 victory at 24/5 with William Hill looks good value.

@Footy_Tipster gives his best predictions ahead of this round of fixtures for the World Cup Qualifiers…

The New Balance Arena in Bergamo awaits as Italy look to take a step towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face Northern Ireland on Thursday night.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some World Cup Qualifier odds and betting angles for Thursday’s fixture:

Italy v Northern Ireland – Thursday, 7.45pm

Agree with our picks? Check the odds now.

Italy must go through the play-offs for the third World Cup campaign in a row but having failed to progress in their last two campaigns, the pressure really is on Gennaro Gattuso and co, who requested this game to be played in Bergamo rather than Milan and the iconic San Siro.
Despite the huge pressure, this Italian side should be confident of progressing through into the final at least given they’ve won five of their six games under Gattuso (L1), whilst Italy have won four of their last six meetings against Northern Ireland over the years (D2), Italy are 19/20 to win this one without conceding with William Hill.
The Italians have definitely found their feet in front of goal having scored two or more goals in six of their last seven outings, whilst nine of their last eleven games in all competitions have produced at least three goals.
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Northern Ireland finished third in Group A with nine points which was enough to set up this tie with Italy, the Green and White Army are now just two games away from securing a spot in the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986, albeit they are huge underdogs in Bergamo.
Michael O’Neill’s side have won just one of their last ten competitive matches on the road which doesn’t bode well for their trip to Italy, especially given that sole victory came at Luxembourg who have won just one of their last eighteen outings, Northern Ireland are priced at 10/1 with William Hill to pull off an upset.
Northern Ireland haven’t scored in any of their last six meetings against Italy, whilst they come into this one having scored just one in their last three games, it’s a tough ask and i think their World Cup dreams come to an end on Thursday evening.

Prediction: Italy -1 Handicap (17/20), Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland (24/5).

All odds subject to change – prices correct at the time of writing

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