Northern Ireland vs Italy: Predictions, odds & betting tips

Northern Ireland will be hoping to round off their World Cup qualification campaign on a high when they welcome Italy to Windsor Park on Monday.

The Green and White Army are out of the running for a play-off place as they sit seven points adrift of both Italy and Switzerland in third place in Group C.

Northern Ireland vs Italy latest odds

Nevertheless, Northern Ireland can be backed at 11/1 (12.0) with bet365 to sign off with a morale-boosting victory over the current European champions.

Roberto Mancini’s men cannot afford any slip-ups as they sit above Switzerland only on goal difference in the automatic qualification position, with 1/4 (1.25) odds available on them sealing top spot by coming out on top.

The last meeting between these sides at this ground result in a goalless draw back in 2010, and you can get odds of 9/2 (5.50) on them cancelling each other out once again.

Northern Ireland vs Italy first goalscorer

Josh Magennis is the hosts’ 14/1 (15.0) favourite to open the scoring with his first international goal in exactly a year, while Nottingham Forest’s 17-year-old striker Dale Taylor is also priced at 14/1 (15.0) to make a name for himself with a memorable opener.

Andrea Belotti is the 4/1 (5.00) favourite to break the deadlock despite scoring just once in his last 11 internationals, with Federico Chiesa offering more temptation at 5/1 (6.0) following three goals in his last nine.

Northern Ireland vs Italy preview

Friday’s 1-1 draw at home to Switzerland was a missed opportunity for the Azzurri, who now need to take all three points in Belfast in order to ensure they avoid the Swiss pipping them to first place right at the death.

Although they will still back themselves to come out on top, any breakthrough will not come easily at a ground where Ian Baraclough’s team are yet to concede a single goal in Group C - drawing 0-0 with Bulgaria and Switzerland before beating Lithuania 1-0.

Northern Ireland vs Italy tips & predictions

With this in mind, odds of 12/5 (3.40) look like excellent value on Italy grinding out a vital victory in a tight game featuring under 2.5 goals against a stubborn Northern Ireland.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.