Prediction: Draw
Best Odds: 17/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
The 2021/22 domestic football campaign is officially behind us and while we may have to wait until November for the World Cup to kick off, that doesn’t mean we’re short on international action. The UEFA Nations League is back in our lives with a parade of nations attempting to make up for recent shortcomings – with Italy and Hungary serving as two perfect examples of that.
Italy
Italy are the reigning European champions after their remarkable run and triumph at Euro 2020 last year. However, in their current form, the Azzurri have been left to wonder what could’ve been after failing to qualify for the World Cup. Their attention will now turn to Euro 2024 and defending their title but until then, they’ll have to use the Nations League as a form of rehabilitation.
Team News
Mancini is expected to make a handful of changes to his starting XI with no notable injuries or suspensions to talk about.
Hungary
Unfortunately, Hungary have been known moreso for issues off the pitch than on it in the last couple of months due to fan trouble. That truly is a shame when you consider how efficient they were in battling back against the Group of Death at Euro 2020. Still, they couldn’t get through the group in World Cup qualifying, meaning 2024 will also be what they’re looking toward in the immediate future.
Team News
The Hungarian faithful could hardly believe their luck with a 1-0 win over England at the weekend, and given the result, it’d be surprising to see too many changes here.
Factors to Consider
- Hungary are 1st in Nations League group A3, whereas Italy are joint 2nd.
- Italy have won one, drawn three and lost two of their last six games.
- Hungary have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
- Italy have scored five goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
- Hungary have scored nine goals and conceded three in their last six games.
Conclusion
While Italy are going to be hungry to prove a point, they just don’t seem to possess the quality necessary to win many big games right now. Hungary, meanwhile, seem to be looking really strong from a tactical standpoint – especially defensively. We’re backing a draw here with Italy just about clinging on, which is strange given where they were less than twelve months ago.
Prediction: Draw
Best Odds: 17/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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