Northern Ireland and Italy go head-to-head for three points in World Cup Qualification Group C on Monday. Read our expert predictions and find the latest odds for the game below in our match preview.
Northern Ireland vs Italy – Free Betting Tips & Predictions
Northern Ireland and Italy complete their Group C campaigns with a fixture in Belfast. Find our top three predictions for the contest below.
- Football Whispers Prediction One: Total Goals – Under 2.5 Goals @21/20 (2.05)
- Football Whispers Prediction Two: Win to Nil – Italy @20/23 (1.87)
- Football Whispers Prediction Three: First Half Result – Italy @20/29 (1.69)
Contents
Odds from Netbet are subject to change.
Under 2.5 Goals
Northern Ireland have long been a staple for bettors on the lookout for low-scoring fixtures and we expect their Group C clash with Italy on Monday to be decided by fine margins again. Under 2.5 goals landed in five of their seven matches in the section so far, including their 0-2 reverse to the Azzurri back in March and the same market could be worth pursuing when the teams reacquaint themselves in Belfast.
Italy Win to Nil
Northern Ireland’s fate has already been sealed in Group C and the hosts cannot qualify for the World Cup. Italy however, have top spot in their sites and they will need a positive result in Belfast to ensure that they finish at the summit ahead of Switzerland. The Italians beat Northern Ireland to nil in Parma back in March and with extra motivation to perform pushing them on, they look an interesting price to shutout the same opponents again on Monday.
First Half Result: Italy
Italy were two goals to the good and in cruise control when they last faced Northern Ireland earlier this year and we’re backing Roberto Mancini’s formidable troops to take command in the first half again on Monday. The Green and White Army were behind at the break in two of their three defeats in Group C so far and they should struggle to match the Italians class in Belfast.
Northern Ireland vs Italy preview: Italy targeting top spot
Group C leaders Italy were held to a largely disappointing 1-1 draw by second-placed Switzerland on Friday evening, passing up the chance to secure top spot against their nearest rivals in the process. That leaves Roberto Mancini’s charges with work to do on the final day of the qualification campaign in Belfast. Italy could only muster four shots on target against the Swiss and an improvement in the final third will be demanded by Mancini on Monday.
Northern Ireland meanwhile, won for only the second time in group on Friday evening when they edged out Lithuania 1-0 at Windsor Park. The visitors scored an early own goal to help The Green and White Army on their way. Ian Baraclough’s side have notched just six times in seven matches in the section so far and only the rock bottom Lithuanians have registered fewer times.
Northern Ireland vs Italy: Stats, Markets & Odds
Here are the top stats for the game along with a tool to help you pick the best odds.
Q&A – Northern Ireland vs Italy
What stadium will the match be played at?
Monday’s game will be played at Windsor Park in Belfast.
When does this fixture kick off?
The game is scheduled to start at 20:45 CET (GMT +1) on November 15.
Where are these teams placed in Group C?
Northern Ireland sit in fourth spot in Group C, while Italy hold first place.
