Prediction: Italy vs Finland

Prediction: Italy win

Best Odds: 3/10

Bookmaker: bet365

It’s time to put a pin in domestic football for the time being in order to focus on the international side of things. The qualification period for UEFA Euro 2020 is set to begin, as teams across the continent attempt to book their place in the European Championships next year. Two nations who will be aiming to get over a disappointing summer, in which they failed to appear at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, are Italy and Finland.

Italy

The Italians’ failure to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958 was pretty big news. They’re one of the most decorated countries in the history of international football, and they’ve had to re-assess themselves in a big way. They’ve got a wealth of talent in their ranks but it’s just a case of utilising it in the right manner, which they’ve clearly been struggling with in the last few years. If they can recapture even an ounce of the magic that made them one of the most feared nations in the game, then they’ll be fine in this qualification run.

Team News

Zaniolo, Pavoletti, Izzo and Mancini are all set to make their international debuts, with Quagliarella being expected to start in this one. Insigne will not feature after picking up an injury.

Finland

Finland aren’t exactly known for their prowess within the ranks of the international game, but they’ve got a few bright sparks that could serve them well on the road to Euro 2020. With their biggest competitors in their group being Greece, Bosnia and Italy, a shock win or even a draw here would set them up brilliantly for the rest of the campaign. They’ve got a great defensive unit with four clean sheets in their last six games, and it’ll be interesting to see how they match up to the Italians.

Team News

Teemu Pukki will be the man to watch for the visitors at the weekend, with Lassi Lappalainen being tipped to make his debut.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Stadio Friuli.
• Italy have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
• Finland have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Italy have scored four goals and conceded three in their last six games.
• Finland have scored five goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

This is going to be an interesting game and if you’re a fan of defensive football, then you’re going to have a great time. Both of these teams are limited in what they can do from an attacking perspective, but it only takes one moment of magic to win a game of football as we all well know. We think Finland are going to set themselves up in a ‘park the bus’ style of formation, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, we still feel like the Italians have enough at home to edge themselves in front and pick up the three points.

Prediction: Italy win

Best Odds: 3/10

Bookmaker: bet365