Netherlands vs Italy Prediction & Betting Tips - UEFA Nations League

Prediction published on 05/09/2020, 03:28  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 05/09/2020 at 03:34 in UEFA Nations League Predictions

The Netherlands’ resurgence continued with their 1-0 win over Poland in their opening game of the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League and they will have a second straight home match in Round 2, against Italy. Ahead of the game, Netherlands have an early lead in Group 1 of League A after the win over Poland. Meanwhile, Italy played to a 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina at home. For the Dutch, their game against Poland lacked the expected spark but Steven Bergwijn got the all important goal in the 61st minute which means Netherlands are now unbeaten in their last seven matches. They have three straight clean sheets now and the improving defence has seen them keep four in the last six matches. It has been painful for the Dutch in the past few years; they missed the last European Championships and World Cup finals and the team is in a restructuring process. They have a new coach as well and the good start against Poland was key. They topped a group that had France and Germany in the last Nations League campaign and only lost to Portugal in the final. They will be seeking a repeat of the same run this time, and to go a step higher by lifting it. They have a great home record, and head here with three straight home wins. In their last 13 home matches across all competitions, Netherlands have 11 wins and two losses. In the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign they also did well, to finish second in Group C two points behind Germany. The last five meetings between these two nations were all friendly matches and Netherlands have no win in the five. They have lost two and three have ended in draws. However, in the last competitive meeting between the two, in 2008, Netherlands carried the day at the European Championships, hitting Italy 3-0.

Italy are also seeking a rise after missing the 2018 World Cup – the first in 60 years. It was a painful period for the Italians but they restructured and are now back to their best. They won every single game of their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign and will be hoping for another good ride in the Nations League. The team had a slow start to the Nations League campaign though, and needed to come from behind at home to Bosnia Herzegovina after Edin Dzeko’s goal for the visitors. Stefano Sensi did get the equalizer but for a side that had a perfect run in the Euro qualifiers, it was sensible that they were disappointed by the result. Ahead of the draw, Italy had gone on a run of 11 straight wins and it was the first time they scored less than two goals in a game for the last 11 matches. They have six straight away wins and will feel they can match the Dutch in this clash. In their Nations League campaign in 2018/19, Italy managed one win in four games, and finished second. This time they aim to do better and the run in the Euro qualifiers should be the inspiration.