The UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers are drawing to a close with teams having either one or two games left to play to secure their spots in Germany. This has left many teams needing vital points to go through, and with hugely important clashes that could determine whether they go to the tournament or not.
One of these very teams is reigning champions Italy, who are facing a two-team shootout with Ukraine to advance to next year’s tournament. Despite sitting three points behind Ukraine, Italy have a game in hand and a win in this would see the Azzurri need just a draw from Monday’s game against Ukraine to qualify directly.
However, failure to beat North Macedonia would require Italy to take all three points on the final matchday to move into the top two. While North Macedonia can no longer qualify for the Euros, the Lynxes can still provide more hurt to the Azzurri by taking points in Rome.
Italy vs North Macedonia
Friday 17 November, 20:45
Stadio Olimpico
Italy are coming into this game having lost just two times in the group so far, with both of these losses coming against England. A 2-1 loss on the opening day and a 3-1 loss in their most recent outing makes up the two defeats, while the only other time the Azzurri have dropped points has been during a 1-1 draw to Friday’s opponents North Macedonia.
This draw marked a run of three games without a win against North Macedonia for Italy, with these games including an unforgettable 1-0 loss in last year’s World Cup playoffs which left Italy failing to qualify for the world’s most prestigious tournament twice in a row.
However, Italy will have the backing of a home crowd in this coming encounter, and with them only having lost a singular home Euro qualifier since 2000 they’ll be confident of securing all three points.
As for North Macedonia, their three losses against Ukraine (twice) and England have left them unable to qualify for the tournament meaning there will be no repeat of their historic Euro 2020 venture.
Bet9ja Tips
Despite North Macedonia’s impressive record against Italy in recent times, we expect the Italians will rise to the occasion this time around as they fight to advance to Euro 2024 and attempt to retain their title. You can get odds of Italy to win of 1.14 with Bet9ja.
Gianluca Scamacca scored the opener during Italy’s last game against England, and we can see the former West Ham United striker scoring again in this one. You can get odds of Scamacca to score anytime of 2.00 with Bet9ja.
Bet9ja Odds (at time of writing): Italy win: 1.14, Draw: 8.20, North Macedonia win: 18.00
