Italy U21 vs Norway U21: Betting tips, predictions, odds & match preview

Italy U21 vs Norway U21: Betting tips, predictions, odds & match preview

Italy U21 will be hoping to secure their spot in the quarter-finals of the U21 Euros when they face Norway U21 on Wednesday at 7:45pm (UK time).

Italy U21 vs Norway U21: Betting tips

Odds correct at the time of writing. 18+ Only. Terms and Conditions Apply.

Italy U21 vs Norway U21: Predictions

Italy U21 vs Norway U21: Predictions
Bet Prediction Best odds
BTTS? No 1/1 with Midnite
Correct score Italy U21 2-0 Norway U21 7/1 with BetUK
First Goalscorer Pietro Pellegri 7/2 with Bet365

With one game left to play in Group D, Italy are currently second with three points, sitting ahead of third-placed Switzerland on their head-to-head record. On paper, all Italy need to do is match Switzerland’s result (providing that isn’t a defeat) and they’ll be into the knockout stages. Victory alone will do the job too, which is what Italy will obviously be aiming for.

It’s a decent position for Italy to be in after they opened the tournament with a 2-1 defeat to France, a game filled with controversy that saw the Italians not given a goal when the ball had crossed the line, with no goal line technology at the U21 Euros. It was also stopped by Castello Lukeba’s hand, but with no VAR at the tournament either, Italy got nothing. They did bounce back with a 3-2 win over Switzerland last time out, to keep destiny in their own hands.

However, Norway will be looking to throw a spanner into the works. Despite sitting bottom of the group without a point, Norway can still qualify for the quarter-finals, such is the makeup of Group D. If Norway win by two goals and France also beat Switzerland, Norway would finish second, leapfrogging both Italy and Switzerland on head-to-head goal difference after what would be a three-way tie on points and head-to-head results. A one-goal victory, while Switzerland lose, would not be enough for Norway.

So, Norway must double their goal tally for the tournament, having scored just one goal in their two games so far. That goal came in the opening game against Switzerland, a 2-1 defeat which saw Norway give up a 1-0 lead. Then, last time out, they were beaten by Michael Olise’s goal for France to leave Norway with work to do.

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Italy U21 vs Norway U21 match stats

As mentioned, Norway have struggled for goals at the tournament so far, only netting once in their two games. Against France last time out, Norway had eight shots but hit the target just once, really failing to test Lucas Chevalier in the French goal.

At the other end of the pitch, Italy have been all about the early goals at this tournament so far, netting all four of their goals in the first half of their matches. In their 3-2 win over Switzerland, Italy very much relied on their fast start, taking a 3-0 lead into half-time before allowing their opponents back into the game.

Italy U21 vs Norway U21: Squawka Says

Scoreline prediction: Italy U21 2-0 Norway U21

Italy U21 vs Norway U21 head-to-head

22 March 2018 – Italy U21 1-1 Norway U21 – Friendly

11 June 2013 – Norway U21 1-1 Italy U21 – U21 Euro 2013

3 June 2005 – Norway U21 1-0 Italy U21 – U21 Euro qualifying

3 September 2004 – Italy U21 2-0 Norway U21 – U21 Euro qualifying

13 November 1991 – Italy U21 2-1 Norway U21 – U21 Euro qualifying

Norway are unbeaten in their past three games against Italy, though the last two have been draws and they haven’t faced off in just over five years.

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