Italy vs England Prediction and Betting Tips

ENGLAND will be out to banish their Hungarian demons when they return to Nations League action with a clash against European champions Italy in Milan.

Gareth Southgate suffered one of the worst defeats of his lengthy reign as Three Lions boss when Hungary romped to a 4-0 victory at Molineux back in June, with our man Slips Tips one of many who had their coupons busted.

That made it a double for the Mighty Magyars after a 1-0 victory in Budapest and it's now four games with a win for Southgate's side, hardly the kind of form they want with a World Cup on the horizon.

But the end of this Nations League campaign gives England the chance to change the mood music as a victory over Italy, followed by another triumph at home to Germany, would send the Three Lions to Qatar on a high.

The Azzurri will be the highest-profile absentees at the World Cup this winter, having crashed to a shock defeat against minnows North Macedonia in the play-off semi-finals.

Since beating England in the Euro 2020 final, Italy's form has been dismal, claiming just four wins from their next 14 matches. They were thrashed 5-2 by Germany in their last outing so Roberto Mancini also badly needs a win to lift some of the gloom.

For all their past achievements, either Southgate or Mancini will find themselves coming under increasing scrutiny if they deliver another bad performance and result here.

Enhanced Odds at William Hill

⚽️ ENGLAND TO SCORE v ITALY 1/1 (was 2/5). Claim here.

(Bet up to £10. Available Online & In Shop for Plus customers. Other terms apply.)

How the bookies view it

This is a tricky game to call and it's reflected in the odds with Italy 37/19 at VBet and England a best 17/10 with SBK. It ended in a stalemate when these sides last faced off and a repeat pays 9/4 with the same firm.

Head to head

The last four meetings of these nations have ended in draws, although Italy memorably won on penalties at Wembley when they clashed in that Euro 2020 showpiece. England have only managed one victory in their last 10 games against the Azzurri, a 2-1 friendly triumph back in 2012.

Players to watch

Ciro Immobile's return to fitness is a big boost for Mancini after missing the first four Nations League fixtures. He has been in good form for Lazio this season, netting five times, and is 11/5 with Betway for another goal here.

Southgate will hang his hat on Harry Kane again as he looks to the Spurs striker to end England's wait for a victory. The captain is 15/8 with Bet365 for a goal and 5/1 to break the deadlock.

Anything else catch the eye?

Given the last four meetings have ended level, the half-time draw looks a good option for this one and it pays evens with most firms. Under 2.5 goals has also come up in the last four meetings but that bet pays just 4/6 at William Hill.

The last two clashes have produced only 10 corners in total so it could pay to bet against flag kicks here, with under eight corners priced 11/8 at Bet365.

I'd expect things to be cagey as the teams size each other up so the 11/10 on offer at McBookie for the first goal to come after 30 minutes also looks a decent option.

This UEFA Nations League match between Italy and England will be played on Sep 23, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Italy vs England prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.

Italy vs England Betting Tips & Predictions