Prediction: Greece vs Italy

Prediction: Italy win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: bet365

The European Championship qualifiers are upon us once again, as all roads continue to lead to UEFA Euro 2020. Today we’re going to be looking at a clash between the two top dogs in Group J: Greece and Italy. Both of these nations know what it means to win the Euros, with Greece becoming European champions in 2004 and Italy winning it in 1968. It’s all about the here and now, though, and as we prepare for the game, it’s quite clear to see that there’s a favourite and an underdog between the two.

Greece

Despite being pretty inconsistent in the last few years, it always seems like Greece have a surprise result or two up their sleeve. They managed to open up their qualification campaign with a fairly unconvincing 2-0 win against Liechtenstein, before two late goals ensured they grabbed a point against Bosnia. That point could prove to be vital, as things didn’t exactly go to plan for them during the first few games of the Nations League.

Team News

Greece were without Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Kostas Manolas in their recent loss to Turkey, with both expected to be back in the starting XI for this encounter.

Italy

After failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup it was clear to see that Italy needed to go back to the drawing board: and they did. They’ve readjusted the core of their squad, and seem to have put more emphasis on improving their defensive issues. Now, they’re riding high at the top of their qualifying group, and it doesn’t really feel like anyone can pose a serious threat to them. Of course, we’ll know more about that point after this weekend, where a win over Greece could set them up brilliantly for the rest of their campaign.

Team News

Andrea Belotti is one of the most intriguing players to feature in this squad for Italy, but he probably won’t start. Fabio Quagliarella, the top goalscorer in Serie A this season, will probably start. Donnarumma is out injured so Pierluigi Gollini should get the call to start in goal.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Athens Olympic Stadium.
• Greece have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Italy have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Greece have scored six goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Italy have scored 11 goals and conceded one in their last six games.

Conclusion

The Greeks are off to a good start in their quest to qualify for the European Championships, but even with that being the case, it just feels like there’s a resurgence going on in Italian football – both domestically and internationally. They’ve put together a strong squad capable of doing some great things, and in terms of this game and any others that are coming up, it seems like their defensive work is going to be the difference maker. We’re backing the Italians to get the job done here with a comfortable win.

Prediction: Italy win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: bet365