With Spain seemingly sewing up top spot in World Cup qualification group G, Italy will be desperate to bounce back against Israel in a must-win tie for the Azzuri. The Blues were dismantled by the Spanish and will be eager to restore some pride in this tricky looking fixture.
World Cup Qualifier – Group G: Italy vs Israel – Stadio Citta del Tricolore
Tuesday 5th September Kick-off: 19.45 GMT
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Draw Best Odd of: 15/2 at Betfred |
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Italy
Israel
Italy
Italy were totally blown away by Spain in Madrid on Saturday evening. Two goals for Isco plus an Alvaro Morata strike subjected the Italians to their first competitive defeat since last year’s Euro 2016 defeat to Germany on penalties.
Gian Piero Ventura’s men will be fully aware of the importance of this tie with Albania only 3 points behind them in the table, they need to get back to winning ways in order to secure 2nd place in the group and will be looking to qualify through the play-offs in November.
Manolo Gabbiadini could be given a starting birth against Israel and could add some much needed pace to the forward line.
Israel
Israel arrive in Italy following an embarrassing home defeat at the hands of FYR Macedonia meaning they have only collected 9 points from the first 7 matches in the group. It was always going to be a big ask for Israel to qualify from a group littered with such quality but they will be disappointed to be currently languishing in 4th place in Group G with only 3 games to go.
Co-efficient points will be on the line here for the Israelis who could still catch Albania – in 3rd place – who only sit 3 points above them in the standings.
Head to Head
This is the 5th competitive between these two sides in their respective international histories. Italy unsurprisingly lead the head to head 3:0 with a solitary draw between the two sides taking place back in 1970.
The reverse fixture in the group was a fiery affair in Haifa that Italy won 3-1 through goals from Ciro Immobile, Antonio Candreva and Graziano Pelle despite having talismanic defender Giorgio Chiellini sent off early in the second half.
Odds and Predictions
There isn’t a huge amount to play for here for Italy which could unleash the shackles a little and encourage them to take the game to Israel.
Over 2.5 goals in the game looks a good move at 3/4 with Marathon Bet.
Their last match was a fiery encounter with Chiellini getting sent off – so a ‘bit of niggle’ could be expected.
Israel to pick up the first booking looks an intelligent punt at 4/9 with William Hill.
Italy need a performance to appease their own fans – Italy to win 3-0 looks a valuable punt at 11/2 with BetVictor.
Top Betting Tip
Despite not performing to the best of his abilities in Madrid, Andrea Belotti is one of Europe’s form strikers.
Belotti is 9/4 with PaddyPower to score first.