Netherlands VS Italy Match Prediction

  • Logo2017-03-28
  • Logo18:45:00
Netherlands
VS
Italy

Our Prediction Tip

Italy will win this match.

This will be the 20th meeting between the two teams, with Italy looking to add to their nine wins against the Netherlands. The Dutch have won three of their 19 games so far, with seven draws. Italy won their most recent encounter 2-0 in Bari in 2014, while the last Netherlands victory was at Euro 2008.

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Netherlands vs Italy Prediction

With Italy in top form, and the Dutch struggling, the form book says the Azzurri should win fairly easily. The Dutch have a point to prove - but Italy should still be too strong looking at their respective recent records.

Correct Score Prediction: Netherlands 1-2 Italy

Netherlands vs Italy Betting Tips and Odds

Despite their recent form, bookmakers have been unable to split the two teams with Bet365 offering 17/10 for both an Italy win and a Netherlands win, while Betfair are offering 8/5 for each. Bet365 is offering 21/10 for a draw.

Both teams to score has been set at 5/6 for both yes and no (Bet365).

Reason: The Netherlands' recent form - and poor results in Amsterdam - mean their home advantage is not as telling as it would have been in the past. That said, they have a point to prove after their shock defeat in Bulgaria.

Team News

Fred Grim will take charge of the Dutch after Danny Blind's sacking and could be tempted to make changes with Wesley Sneijder and Memphis Depay pushing for recalls.

Key Man

Netherlands will be turning to captain Arjen Robben to rally the troops and lift them from their current slump. The 33-year-old has eight goals and five assists for Bayern Munich this season.

Team Form

Defeat in Bulgaria on Saturday leaves the Netherlands' World Cup qualification hopes in tatters, as they sit fourth in Group A with seven points from five games - six points less than table-topping France. Even away from qualification, their recent record is below-par - a draw at home to Belgium in their most recent international friendly, followed a home defeat to Greece back in September. The Dutch have won just twice in seven matches in all competitions.

Expected Line-up: 4-3-3

Netherlands likely XI

  • Goalkeeper:Zoet

  • Defenders:Karsdrop, Hoedt, Martins Indi, Blind

  • Midfielders:Wijnaldum, Sneijder, Strootman

  • Forwards:Robben, De Jong, Depay

Team News

Leonardo Bonucci and Daniele de Rossi passed late fitness tests to play against Albania at the weekend, while Gianluigi Buffon played the 1,000th game of his career. There could be changes for the trip to the Netherlands, but these are more likely to come from the bench.

Key Man

Ciro Immobile continued his good form in front of goal with a goal against Albania - his fifth of the season for Italy. At club level he has scored 17 goals in 28 Serie A games, including six in his last six games for Lazio.

Team Form

A 2-0 win at home to Albania on Friday extended Italy's unbeaten run to six games. It was a second consecutive international clean sheet for veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon, after a 0-0 draw in Germany in November, and keeps the unbeaten Italians level on points with Spain at the top of their World Cup qualification group. Coincidentally, the two scorers against Albania - Ciro Immobile and Daniele de Rossi - were also the goalscorers the last time Italy faced the Netherlands.

Expected Line-up: 4-2-4

Italy likely XI

  • Goalkeeper:Buffon

  • Defenders:Zappacosta, Barzagli, Bonucci, De Sciglio

  • Midfielders:Verratti, De Rossi

  • Forwards:Candreva, Immobile, Belotti, Insigne

The Netherlands appear stuck in a rut at the moment, with defeat in Bulgaria just the latest blow as they face up to the very real possibility of missing two consecutive major tournaments. A friendly provides some respite, but with Italy in top form the visit of the Azzurri is a daunting prospect for the Dutch.
The Netherlands have not won in Amsterdam for nearly two years, losing five and drawing one of their last six games at the Amsterdam ArenA.