Prediction: Northern Ireland vs Italy

8th October 2010

Northern Ireland started the qualifying campaign with a bang as they brought all three points from Slovenia with Nigel Worthington’s men hoping to produce another surprise when they host Italy. The Azzurri beat Estonia after coming from a goal behind before hammering San Marino and they are eager to continue the good run of results.

Having been placed into one of the easiest groups in the World Cup 2010 qualifiers, Northern Ireland managed to take advantage of the situation and almost made it into the play-offs, although their form started to drop during the finishing stages. Then came the run of five straight defeats in the warm-up games, which made everyone believe the team have nothing to hope for in Slovenia, but they somehow managed to sneak a win despite being completely outclassed by Matjaz Kek’s side. Nonetheless, that result cannot change the fact Nigel Worthington have got at best average players at his disposal with most of them struggling to get some regular action in their clubs, and others like Jonny Evans and Kyle Lafferty in very poor form. When pitted against one of the best sides in Europe, all their weaknesses will be on display, so I really don’t see how the hosts are going to get something from this match. Add to that injury to key midfielder Paddy McCourt and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Following the disappointing exit from the World Cup in South Africa and the departure of Marcello Lippi, Italy embarked on a new adventure with talented Cesare Prandelli on the bench. His reign started with a friendly defeat to Ivory Coast but Azzurri once again stepped up the plate when it really counted, overturning a one-goal deficit in Estonia to start the Euro 2012 qualifiers with a win. The 5:0 victory over Faroe Islands served as another confidence boost for the players and they now enter this match in very good spirits. Antonio Cassano’s return to the national side showed just what Marcello Lippi was missing as his creativity and vision already making him a key player in the side. Even though Prandelli is without Gilardino, Montolivo, Buffon, Balotelli and Antonelli, he is set to field a very strong side that are expected to win the game without too many problems.

Conclusion

Northern Ireland were very lucky to beat Slovenia in their opening game but miracles don’t happen every day and it is highly unlikely they can do something similar against Italy. Cesare Prandelli is slowly building a very good side with the team improving in every single game, so everything but an away win would be a big surprise for me.

Verdict: Away win Italy (2)

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Victor Chandler