Portugal -21 vs Italy -21 Prediction & Betting Tips - Euro U21

Prediction published on 29/05/2020, 05:25  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 29/05/2021 at 05:28 in Football Predictions

Italy U21 haven’t had the fluidity they’ve been known for in the Euro U21 Championships but despite all, remain in the hunt for a record setting sixth title here. They will be up against Portugal U21 in the quarter finals of this competition in a match to be staged in Ljubljana on Monday. Portugal have so far had a good run in the competition and will go to this game as the favorites, after winning each of their three group games and with clean sheets. They wrapped up their group stage assignments with a 3-0 win over Switzerland having bagged a 1-0 win over Croatia and 2-0 win over England. Barcelona youngster Trincao has been at the heartbeat of Portugal’s run with two goals in the last two matches while Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot and Wolves midfielder Vitinha have also done well. In their three group matches, Portugal scored six goals, with five coming in the second half. With a 10-game winning run, there’s no doubt over the confidence levels at this Portugal team and six clean sheets in the 10 matches says more about their defensive organization. Their discipline has also been top; they go to this game with only three yellow cards from the opening three matches.

When it comes to discipline, Italy U21 have to rank among the poorest; they’ve seen five red cards flashed on their players in the three opening matches. Two of the red cards have been shown to one player – Riccardo Marchizza. It explains their lack of fluidity and this could cost them a sixth title. Here they face a very clinical and organized Portuguese side and it will call for a lot of discipline and focus. One win in their opening three matches will be a concern going to this game but they will be glad to have avoided defeat so far. They are unbeaten in seven matches but have three clean sheets in the last five. The fact that Italy U21 have never beaten Portugal U21 within 90 minutes places the five-time champions as underdogs going to this game.