Italy vs Ecuador Predictions, Tips and Odds: Spalletti looking to earn the ‘trust’ of Azzurri fans
Italy continue their preparations to retain their European Championship title with a friendly against Ecuador at Red Bull Arena, New Jersey on Sunday at 8pm (UK time).
Italy vs Ecuador predictions
Italy vs Ecuador: Predictions |
||
| Bet | Prediction | Bookmaker odds |
| BTTS? | Yes | 9/10 with Betfair |
| Correct Score | Italy 3-1 Ecuador | 18/1 with Betfred |
| First Goalscorer | Mateo Retegui | 11/2 with Ladbrokes |
The stats behind our Italy vs Ecuador predictions:
- Italy have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 internationals, while Ecuador have scored at least once in four of their last six.
- However, Italy’s only defeat in their last eight was at Wembley against England.
- Ecuador have never beaten Italy in two previous meetings.
- Mateo Retegui scored twice against Venezuela last time out and now has four goals in his first five senior caps for Italy.
Spalletti looking to earn the ‘trust’ of Italy supporters
Italy head into this summer’s Euros as defending champions, but all has not been well since they lifted their title in Wembly three years ago. The Azzurri have since failed to qualify for a second successive World Cup and lost to Spain in the Uefa Nations League A semi-finals, eventually finishing third. Meanwhile, the Italians finished a distant second to England in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, gathering 14 points — six fewer than the Three Lions — and winning just half of their eight matches. It was enough, but hardly convincing.
New coach Luciano Spalletti — only taking the job in September — will, of course, be expected to take Italy deep into this summer’s tournament, perhaps winning it. The Italian standards are always high, regardless of form.
However, the Serie A-winning former Napoli boss has stated his first job is bringing enjoyment back to the national team and regaining the ‘trust’ of supporters.
“Every time we set foot on that field, we must experience joy and that means taking things seriously. I feel like I am in Paradise. The Nazionale is joy for me and I am very happy to do my work with this shirt on,” Spalletti said before Italy’s 2-1 win over Venezuela in Miami on Thursday.
“I am dedicating all my time to the Nazionale and I can guarantee the humility and effort will always be at the maximum to give joy to those who love the Azzurri, especially when we are embraced by the Italian communities around the world. We want to prove that they can trust us and we want to give them the utmost respect.”
Italy vs Ecuador match tip
Over 2.5 goals @ 5/4 with Bet365
There have been at least three goals scored in five of Italy’s last six matches across all competitions.
Italy vs Ecuador odds
Italy have never lost to Ecuador and despite their wobbly form over the last couple of years, they possess superior quality across the pitch, so it’s no surprise to see them made favourites for this clash.
Italy vs Ecuador team news
Francesco Acerbi has been removed from the squad, while the likes of Gianluca Scamacca and Ciro Immobile are not in this latest selection. However, Italy still have an incredibly strong squad including the likes of Nicolo Barella, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Davide Frattesi.
Ecuador’s squad includes Premier League stars Moises Caicedo and Pervis Estupinan, as well as Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie. There’s no place for Union-SG’s Kevin Rodriguez, who is injured.
Italy vs Ecuador head-to-head
- 11/06/05 – Ecuador 1-1 Italy – International Friendly
- 03/06/02 – Italy 2-0 Ecuador – World Cup
These two nations haven’t met since 2005, while their only competitive clash was a 2-0 win for Italy at the 2002 World Cup with goals from Christian Vieri.
BetMGM sign-up offer: Get £40 in bonuses when you bet £10
Not signed up to BetMGM yet? Here's how eligible readers* can take advantage of their welcome offer:
- Open an account at BetMGM using this link.
- Select the Sports Welcome Offer.
- Get the offer from the ‘My Offers’ page.
- Deposit and place a £10 bet at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater.
- When it settles, unlock £40 in bonuses
New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10+ at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Acca, 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Football, 1 x £10 Bet Builder. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.
