Italy vs Northern Ireland
The opener of your World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign couldn’t come much tougher than Italy away, but that’s exactly what is facing Ian Baraclough’s Northern Ireland this week.
Italy vs Northern Ireland is the first fixture in Group C. And the Azzurri, who are on a 22-match unbeaten run under head coach Roberto Mancini, are up against a Northern Ireland team without a win in five.
These two teams start level on the road to Qatar and the Irish will put up a good fight in Parma, of that you can be sure.
Talking Points
Italy are genuine contenders again
Mancini has brought hope and pride back to Italy since he took over in 2018, in the aftermath of the Azzurri’s disastrous World Cup qualification campaign.
He has gelled together a squad with bags of experience, some exciting young talent, and plenty of players in their prime.
Two of the hottest strikers in Serie A in the form of Lazio’s Ciro Immobile and Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne have scored 14 and 13 goals respectively and they will test any defence in the world.
Meanwhile, experienced Juventus defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are in line for a starting place.
The Old Lady is stumbling at the moment, off the pace in Serie A and dumped out of the Champions League by Porto. But these two are a class act, calm and uncompromising in equal measure.
Milan keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will continue between the sticks while Roma wing back Leonardo Spinazzola will stretch the Irish defence.
In midfield, PSG’s Marco Verratti and Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli should make the starting lineup while the ever improving Federico Chiesa could feature alongside Insigne and Immobile that can create World Cup 2022 highlights.
Having missed out on Russia 2018, the Azzurri powered through their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 100-per cent record and are in among the group of favourites to lift the European title in July.
Then they will look to Qatar 2022 where they hope to banish the memory of 2018 once and for all.
Mancini warns his players of Northern Ireland threat
Former Manchester City manager Mancini has experienced Premier League football and know all about the tough and physical side of the game in England. And with Northern Ireland’s squad featuring several top flight players in its ranks, the Azzurri boss has warned his own players what to expect.
The World Cup 2022 betting odds might well point to a comfortable home win, but Mancini knows the 90 minutes will be anything but cushy for this players.
“They’re strong physically and have many players who play in the Premier League. We know that you can’t get it wrong on the road to the World Cup and we need to do the best we can in these three matches,” said Mancini.
Leicester City centre-back Jonny Evans has tons of experience and is still at his peak. Meanwhile, Burnley’s talented reserve keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell looks to have a bright future ahead of him, deputising for the injured Nick Pope and putting in a brave display against Manchester City this season.
In front of the stopper and alongside Evans there could be places for Leeds United’s Stuart Dallas and Newcastle United’s Jamal Lewis.
And if Mancini thinks the Premier League is tough then he should take a look down at the lower tier teams which provide Northern Ireland’s band of brothers.
Baraclough is looking for some inspiration in midfield and up front. He has Blackburn’s Corry Evans and Middlesbrough’s Paddy McNair in the middle of the park and there has been a call-up for 25-year-old Accrington Stanley striker Dion Charles, who could make his debut.
A draw with Romania last time out followed four successive defeats for the Irish – all by the odd goal. And Baraclough has his work cut out to improve in Thursday, but he won’t fail for any lack of effort.
History
The recent head-to-head between Italy and Northern Ireland read three victories for Italy and a draw, while the Irish are yet to taste success against the Azzurri.
The last meeting was a European Championship qualifier back in 2011 when Italy triumphed 3-0, courtesy of a brace from Antonio Cassano and an own goal from Gareth McAuley.
And in terms of recent form, Ireland are without a win in five and Italy are unbeaten in 22. That certainly points to one outcome.
Betting Tip
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Italy vs Northern Ireland | Italy Asian Handicap -1.75 @ 1.82 |
| March 26, 03:45 (GMT+8) |
Italy are available at SBOTOP odds of 1.18 to win this match with Northern Ireland at 13.00 while the draw is at 5.60.
And while the Irish are a tough side to beat, I expect Mancini’s hugely gifted team to win with a bit to spare.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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