Italy have a chance to bounce back from a mini slump when they host Lithuania in a 2022 World Cup qualifier at MAPEI Stadium. The reigning European champions are seeking their first win since clinching the title in July and are likely to make light work of a poor Lithuanian team.
Italy have found things difficult since wining the Euros in July having failed to secure a win in their last two matches. First they played out a 1-1 draw with Bulgaria before being held 0-0 by Switzerland in their previous fixture.
Despite the disappointing results in their last two matches, Italy are still top of Group C as they sit four points clear of Switzerland. Roberto Mancini’s men also remain unbeaten after five matches and will be seeking a return to winning ways on Wednesday.
Italy often do their best work at home and have won their last five matches. They also have a fine record against the smaller teams in Europe with a 7-0 victory over San Marino among their recent results.
Lithuania travel to Italy off the back of a 1-0 defeat against Bulgaria in their previous qualifying fixture. They were once again second best throughout the contest and finished with just a single attempt on target.
Valdas Ivanauakas' men sit bottom of Group C having lost all four of their previous qualifying matches. The last time Lithuania won a World Cup qualifying fixture was a 2-0 victory over Malta back in 2016.
Goals have also been hard to come by for Lithuania, who have scored just once in their last four qualifying matches.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have Italy as overwhelming favourites and Unibet is offering 1/16 for a home win. An unlikely victory for Lithuania is valued at 69/1 by SBK, who are also offering odds of 33/2 for a draw.
Head to head
Italy have claimed five wins and two draws from seven previous matches against Lithuania. The Italians triumphed 2-0 in the reverse fixture back in March.
Players to watch
Federico Chiesa has been in good form lately and was on target against Bulgaria. The Juventus winger is priced at 15/13 with Sport Nation to score anytime while Ciro Immobile is valued at 11/20 with SBK in the same market.
Given Lithuania’s attacking problems, Italy will be confident of a shutout on Wednesday. With Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in defence, the Italians should keep another clean sheet at 1/3 with betfair.
Anything else catch the eye?
Italy look set for a comfortable victory and could be backed to win both halves at 4/6 with MansionBet. The Italians are also likely to score an early goal and could be tipped to find the net before the 24th minute at 5/6 with bet365.
A -3 handicap for the Italians can also be considered at 7/4 with betfair.
This World Cup match between Italy and Lithuania will be played on Sep 8, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Italy vs Lithuania prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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