Greece vs Italy Predictions

Italy return to Euro 2020 qualifying action on Saturday, as they meet Greece in Athens. Recent months have given Roberto Mancini plenty to shout about, with his side only narrowly missing out on the UEFA Nations League Finals. Instead, Italy are slugging it out for a place at the next major championship this weekend. They face a difficult trip as they look to extend their 100% start to this campaign. Will the feelgood factor in Mancini’s reign continue this weekend?

Greece were third in their UEFA Nations League group, following mixed results. They aren’t likely to earn a Euro 2020 place based on their results in that campaign, so qualifying automatically is their only hope. However, the likes of Bosnia, Finland and Armenia will be rivalling them for second place. Right now the Greeks have to aim for second, with the belief that Italy are going to secure top spot after their strong start.

The visitors were able to win both of their opening games in the group without conceding a goal. The Italians saw off Finland and Liechtenstein in March, setting them up for first place straight off the bat. They head into their third game of the qualifying campaign as the favourites for another win, thanks to Mancini saving them following their World Cup heartbreak. He was able to turn around the side which missed out on Russia last summer, bringing youth and a fresh feel to the squad.

Mancini’s Italy are adept – unlike the last bunch – while they’re more balanced than Antonio Conte’s team. That’s come from a rise in attacking talent in Serie A, while Mancini is open to giving plenty of players a chance. That includes the latest golden boot winner – 36-year-old Fabio Quagliarella – who is set to start in Athens. The Azzurri have been working on an impressive attacking set up ahead of this trip, with Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne to flank Quagliarella in this clash.

Italy are improving going forward, while their defensive set up remains solid. We are impressed with their recent balance, which has brought them four wins in five. They’ve kept five clean sheets and scored 10 goals in that time, which is a brilliant return. Meanwhile, Greece have conceded in their last four matches, winning just one. We are backing them to struggle on Saturday, as we think Italy are well priced to claim a victory here.