It is a straight shootout for a place in the finals as Hungary face Italy in Group A3 of the UEFA Nations League. The Hungarians have been the surprise package of the group and are good enough to avoid defeat against Italy, who have been inconsistent lately.
At the start of this year’s UEFA Nations League, Hungary were considered the weakest team in the group and even began with one win from their opening three matches. However, they have looked a different side since the 2-1 defeat to Italy and are unbeaten in their last three matches, claiming two wins in that run.
That fine run of results means Hungary are now two points clear at the top and need only to avoid defeat in their final fixture to progress. They head into Monday’s clash off the back of two straight wins, claiming a 4-0 victory in England before edging out Germany 1-0 on Friday.
One slight problem for Hungary is that they appear to do some of their best work on the road. Their last home fixture in the UNL was a 1-1 draw with Germany back in June.
Italy travel to Hungary off the back of a 1-0 victory over England in their previous UNL fixture. It was a tight and closely fought encounter with Giacomo Raspadori’s effort midway through the second half proving the difference.
That was a much-needed win for the Italians as it put them back in contention in Group C3. Roberto Mancini’s men can progress to the finals with a win in Hungary and will hope to use the UNL as consolation following a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.
Italy may be in contention to qualify for the finals of the UNL but they have not enjoyed the smoothest campaign. They have won just two of their five matches, both of which were at home while their last away fixture was a 5-2 defeat in Germany.
How the bookies view it
Italy have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are set at 19/20 by Unibet to claim the win. Despite their good form, Hungary are still considered outsiders at 7/2 with SBK while a draw is set at odds of 13/5 by Unibet.
Head to head
Italy have a 5-1 advantage with two draws from eight previous matches with Hungary. The Azzurri also claimed a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture back in June.
Players to watch
Adam Szalai is expected to continue to lead the line after netting the winner last time out against Germany. The likes of Dominic Szoboszlai and Adam Nagy have also been among the goals in recent UNL matches and can ensure the hosts produce over 0.5 goals at 1/2 with Paddy Power.
Italy also know their way to goal with the likes of Raspadori and Gianluca Scamacca expected to feature in attack. With supply from Nicolo Barella in the midfield, the Italians could be backed to produce over 0.5 goals at 1/6 with Paddy Power.
Anything else catch the eye?
A closely fought contest is expected here which means both teams are likely to battle to a halftime draw at 57/50 with Unibet. Hungary’s fine form also means they have enough quality to avoid defeat on Monday, so a double chance could be considered at 11/12 with SBK.
With the first half expected to be a cagey, closely fought affair, the second half could be tipped to produce more goals at 23/20 with William Hill.
This UEFA Nations League match between Hungary and Italy will be played on Sep 26, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Hungary vs Italy prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.