We have a great game to look forward to today! It’s time to go Mediterranean as we watch Portugal v Italy in the Monday´s UEFA Nationals League. Both teams will be looking for their first win. Italy only managed a draw against Poland, with the final score 1-1… and that was only because Italy scored via a penalty in the 78th minute.
Our prediction for this game:
Today’s game is a hard one to predict. We will not be seeing Cristiano Ronaldo, Ricardo or Nani. The 35 years old centre back, Pele, is the first choice. If those three top players were in the squad, we’d easily bet our money on a win for Portugal, but as nothing is quite so sure, we need to look for something else. As such, we have found a great value bet with ‘both teams to score’, for which 888sport offers odds of 2.08. Let us explain why this is a good bet:
Portugal:
Portugal has surprised us all in Euro 2016 where the team won the entire tournament, beating France in the final 1-0, after extra time. It was a close game, but Portugal deserved the win. There were some high expectations placed on them in World Cup 2018 and to be honest, they did get an easy group. They managed to get through, but they got knocked out in the first qualification game against Uruguay. Their big star, Christian Ronaldo, will not be playing today. If we have a look at the stats, Portugal has scored in 14 of their 15 home games since they lifted the trophy in Paris 2016, and I´m pretty sure they will manage to score today also.
Italy:
Italy has won 5 of the last 6 games against Portugal, but it’s not so accurate for our bet since it was a long time ago, and there have been some huge changes in the team since then. Portugal won in 2015, and before that, the latest meeting was in 2008. Since then, they have not faced off in competition since 1993. Since 2016, Italy has scored in 7 of the 10 away games played, and they have conceded 8 goals in those games. Portugal has conceded a goal in 5 of the 6 latest games at home.
Portugal last 5 games
Italy last 5 games
Reason for and against the tip:
✓ Portugal has scored in 14 of the 15 home games.
✓ Italy has scored in 7 of the latest 10 away games.
✓ Both teams have conceded goals and have a weak defence.
✘ Lots of young players will get a chance to play today.
Tip: Both teams to score
Odds: 2.08 @888Sport
Time: 19:45
Units: 2/5
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