Italy vs Czech Republic
, KO: 19:45 Jun 4, 2021, Stadio Renato Dall'Ara
Italy host the Czech Republic in an international friendly at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara as both teams begin preparations for Euro 2020. The Azzurri have looked good in recent outings and should be too strong at home for the inconsistent Czechs.
The Italians were in clinical form in their last international fixture, thrashing San Marino 7-0 in a friendly in May. Matteo Politano and Matteo Pessina both netted doubles while Federico Bernadeschi, Gian Marco Ferrari and Andrea Belotti were also on target.
Italy have been excellent since missing out on the World Cup in Russia and have not tasted defeat since September 2018. They head into Friday’s clash off the back of seven straight wins across all competitions.
The Azzurri are once again becoming a force under manager Roberto Mancini with their form driven by a solid defence. They have kept clean sheets in their last seven matches having faced the likes of Edin Dzeko with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Robert Lewandowski with Poland.
Czech Republic are coming off a 1-0 defeat against Wales in a 2022 World Cup qualifier back in March. They struggled to find their rhythm following Patrik Schick’s second half red card and conceded the winner nine minutes from time.
Jaroslav Silhavy's men have not been at their best lately and travel to Italy winless in their last two matches. They have also struggled on the road with three defeats from their last four away matches across all competitions.
The Czechs are usually poor in attack on their travels and have failed to score in three of their last four away matches.
How the bookies view it
Italy have been installed as favourites among the bookies and are priced at 8/13 to win. The same firm has Czech Republic at 17/4 to secure the victory while also offering 11/4 for a draw.
Italy are currently on a seven match winning run and should claim another comfortable victory over Czech Republic.
Head to head
Italy and Czech Republic have two wins each and two draws from six previous meetings. Both of the Italians' wins have come in the last three fixtures with two clean sheets kept in that run.
Players to watch
Italy have plenty of quality in attack and striker Ciro Immobile could be backed to score anytime at 20/21 with bet365. The same firm has Andrea Belotti at 7/5 to also score anytime while also backing Lorenzo Insigne at 7/4 in the same market.
The Italians are just as solid at the back having kept clean sheets in their last seven matches. Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Alessandro Bastoni are among the defenders in the squad and they will be confident of keeping another clean sheet at 6/5 with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
With Italy expected to keep a clean sheet, a win to nil could be considered at 7/4 with bet365. A -1 handicap could also be on the cards at 7/4 with the same firm.
The Italians are likely to score over 1.5 goals at 4/5 with bet365 and could also be backed to win both halves at 7/2 with bet365.
This match between Italy and Czech Republic will be played on Jun 4, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Italy vs Czech Republic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
