ITALY will set out to secure their first Nations League victory at the second attempt when they play host to Hungary on Tuesday night.
After conquering the continent last summer, the Azzurri inexplicably failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after being stunned by North Macedonia in their play-off in Palermo.
Roberto Mancini's men have since suffered a 3-0 loss to Copa America champions Argentina in the Finalissima at Wembley last Wednesday.
However, the Italians were able to stop the rot with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Germany last time out and that could be the catalyst they need to get them moving back in the right direction.
As for Hungary, they will enter this contest riding the crest of a wave following their shock 1-0 win over England in Budapest on Saturday.
Marco Rossi's side gave a good account of themselves when going up against Europe's elite last summer and they certainly won't be fazed ahead of their trip to Cesena.
Outright Betting
Despite failing to win any of their last five competitive matches, Italy enter this contest as short-priced 4/11 favourites with Bet 365.
Hungary, who have avoided defeat in five of their last six games, head into this match as huge underdogs at 9/1 (UniBet) while the draw is an unfancied 18/5 (UniBet) with the same bookmaker.
Betting Angles
Italy are worthy favourites here but they are unlikely to have things all their own way and with that in mind, being able to support Hungary with a +1.25 start on the Asian Handicap holds appeal at 49/50 (Bet 365).
This selection would deliver a half-stakes profit should the visitors lose by exactly one goal and we would pocket a full-stakes pay-out should Marco Rossi's men avoid defeat in northern Italy.
As already alluded, Italy have gone into a steep decline since being crowned European champions and it is unlikely they will get much in the way of respite on Tuesday night.
Hungary boss Rossi has forged a resolute side that are rarely blown away by their opponents, with the landlocked country losing just one of their last six meaningful matches.
What's more, the Hungarians have lost a by a margin greater than one goal in just one of their last 10 competitive contests – a sample that includes spirited stalemates with heavyweights England, France and Germany
Therefore, Hungary should prove a tough nut to crack for the home side who are enduring a particularly sticky patch at the moment, so with all things considered, the visitors do look like an appealing play with a +1.25 start on the Asian Handicap at 49/50 (Bet 365).
Elsewhere, I'll also have a small play on Dominik Szoboszlai to either score or assist at 13/5 with PaddyPower.
The Hungary talisman scored from the penalty spot against England on Saturday and he also tends to be on set pieces which is another added incentive when dipping into this market.
This UEFA Nations League match between Italy and Hungary will be played on Jun 7, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Italy vs Hungary prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
