Northern Ireland vs Italy Prediction & Betting Tips - World Cup

Prediction published on 13/11/2021, 01:59  by Indran | Modified on 13/11/2021 at 02:59 in World Cup Predictions

Northern Ireland are out of the running for a World Cup spot but they can still have a crucial role to play in deciding who wins Group C. They welcome the Italians to Windsor Park in Belfast in what is a final for the visitors. The home team are in third place with eight points while the visitors are in top position with 15 points from their seven matches. Their last match was a 1-0 win over Lithuania and in this match they will have the whole of Switzerland cheering them on as a draw or win for the home team coupled with the Swiss beating Bulgaria books the Swiss their ticket to Qatar. The home team has struggled in this qualifying campaign with a record of two wins, two draws and three disappointing losses. Their home form has been good in the qualifiers as they are unbeaten with one win and two draws. Northern Ireland have one victory against Italy all the way back in 1958 and have not beaten them since.

The Italians missed their opportunity to secure top spot in their last match when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home against their Switzerland. Italy are above second placed Switzerland only by virtue of a better goal difference as they both have 15 points. A victory for Italy is paramount as the Swiss have an easier last match at home against Bulgaria. Any Italian win will mean that Switzerland win need to win their final match by at least three clear goals. If this unlikely scenario occurs and both teams have the same point and same goal difference, then results between the teams will decide the group. Both matches between the teams ended in draws so the next tie breaker will be which team was better disciplined. Italy will want to avoid all these permutations with a convincing win.