Paul Higham says Italy’s full-backs can fire our props column to a winner to start the week with a shots double for their crucial World Cup qualifier in Belfast on Monday.
Northern Ireland v Italy
Monday 15 November, 19:45 kick-off
Italy could’ve booked their place already at next year’s World Cup but for a missed Jorginho penalty against Switzerland on Friday – now they face a nervy trip to Belfast needing to match the Swiss result to punch their ticket to Qatar.
Switzerland host Bulgaria and will fancy a victory, so it could come down to goal difference with the Italians holding a narrow two-goal advantage that should be enough, but will seem very slim indeed if the Swiss get a couple of early goals in front.
So, although Northern Ireland won’t be at the World Cup they can have a big say in who one of the participants will be come next winter.
Ian Barraclough’s side did hold Switzerland to a draw in this campaign so are capable of providing tough opposition for the European champions – especially if they start feeling the pressure from not going going ahead early.
They’ve managed one draw in six meetings with Italy but have not yet managed a single goal against the Azzurri, who will therefore feel that just a couple of goals could do the job.
Roberto Mancini’s side did go on that record 37-game unbeaten run, which only ended recently against Spain, that will still be giving them confidence but they know they’re under pressure as failing to qualify would be seen as a huge letdown after this summer’s success at the Euros.
This is a tough one to call as so much depends on the game situation and the news coming from Switzerland, but some nice prices in the shots markets come with Italy’s full-backs, who regardless of the game situation should get plenty of the ball.
Emerson is never scared of getting forward and in fact has had at least one shot in every World Cup qualifier he’s played in during this campaign – hitting the target with three of his six efforts on goal.
Over at right-back, Giovanni Di Lorenzo has scored in his last two appearances and, while you’d think that run won’t last, what is does mean is that confidence will be high and that will only encourage him to have a shot at goal whenever het gets the chance.
If you’re feeling frisky for a Monday then back the pair to hit the target at a big price of 11.32, but we’re playng it a bit safe by backing both of Italy’s full-backs to simply take a shot at goal.
At 2.77/4 it’s still a decent return for something that makes a whole lot of sense and doesn’t lean too much on the game going one way or another.
Source: BetFair Tips
