Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Italy
Italy has certainly escaped from Group J with two matches remaining. However, they must continue to complete all these matches, including this weekend against Bosnia & Herzegovina in the 9th week. They will determine their fate in this phase.
The reason is, currently they landed at number 4 with a collection of 10 numbers, the difference between the H2H of Armenia above it and only two points ahead of Greece below. With the remaining two matches, then they must continue to reap the victory in order to qualify, even though they have to follow the play-off round.
Conditions that occur after they lost 2-1 at home to Greece last month. That mistake will try to be redeemed in tomorrow’s match armed with an unbeaten record as a host with 3 wins and 1 draw. Miralem Pjanic and Edin Dzeko are also certain to appear so that the hosts can maximize their strength.
Italy itself already does not need points because nine points ahead at the top. Even if there is ambition, it is maintaining a perfect record with 8 wins. Marco Verratti, Leonardo Spinazzola and Domenico Berardi will be ruled out due to injury, while Ciro Immobile and Andrea Belotti will fight for their place as the main striker.
Even if you don’t need any more points, Italy’s honor will still be at stake to close this phase with a perfect record. They also have a duty to maintain dominance over Bosnia & Herzegovina after in the first round won 2-1 as host. Many say this party will be an opportunity for Roberto Mancini to gauge the strength of the reserve players. Even so, that does not mean they will allow the host to win.
Our Prediction: 2
Odds: 2.05