Italy vs North Macedonia Prediction & Betting Tips - World Cup

Prediction published on 03/10/2017, 07:00  by | Modified on 03/10/2017 at 08:55 in Football Predictions

Italy start this game in second place three points behind leaders Spain who beat them 3-0 last month. With Spain  having a vastly superior goal difference, it's looking like Italy will have to settle for the play-offs. The loss in Spain is their only defeat so far in this group and they have won all six games played against the rest of the sides. That includes a win in Macedonia but only 3-2 and at one stage they trailed 2-1 and needed a 92nd minute goal to get the three points. Italy have won three and drawn one of their home group games with only Spain scoring against them. They have only lost one of their last 12 games and one of the last sixteen played at home. In 53 home World Cup qualifiers Italy have never lost at home and only conceded more than one goal in a game on four occasions. Macedonia don't have quite an impressive record as that and are fifth in the group with seven points - away wins over Leichtenstein and Israel. Eight games have only seen them concede 14 goals and they have only lost one of their last four internationals. They have won their last two away games, both in this group but before that had gone 24 without a win and 14 qualifiers. Italy will find it hard to catch Spain  but they can win this game though and back them on a -1 handicap.