Portugal vs Italy Prediction & Betting Tips - UEFA Nations League

Prediction published on 07/09/2018, 16:52  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 07/09/2018 at 17:52 in UEFA Nations League Predictions

European Champions Portugal were knocked out in the last sixteen of the World Cup and have made a large number of changes for this opening European Nations League game against Italy. The biggest omission is that of Cristiano Ronaldo with his adapting to life at Juventus being given as the reason. Nine other World Cup squad members have also been left out and there are three new caps in the squad. Thursday saw them draw 1-1 at home with World Cup finalists Croatia coming from behind with Pepe getting the equaliser. That's just two wins in the last nine internationals, both over sides from Africa. Only Andre Silva has scored a double figure number of international goals with Pepe the next highest though it's taken him 101 caps to get eight goals. Home form has seen only the Netherlands defeat Portugal in the last ten games.

Italy came from behind to get a 1-1 draw with Poland in their opening European Nations League match and defeat by Portugal would make them prime candidates to be relegated to League B. Their poor form has seen just one home victory over Saudi Arabia in their last eight internationals. Only in that 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia have Italy scored more than once in their last 11 games  Only Mario Balotelli is into double figures as far as international goals are concerned. Both teams are finding it hard to score goals at present and the best bet here is to go for under 2.5 goals to be scored in this match.