Argentina vs Italy Prediction & Betting Tips - International Friendlies

Prediction published on 20/03/2018, 18:50  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 26/03/2018 at 04:07 in Football Predictions

For a while it looked as if Argentina might not qualfy for the World Cup Finals as they struggled for form and points. They only won seven of their 18 qualifiers and it took a 3-1 win in Ecuador to allow them to finish third in the group, 13 points behind winners Brazil. Argentina conceded a first minute goal in that vital qualifier in Ecuador but ran out winners thanks to a Lionel Messi hat-trick and they will of course be so reliant on him during the summer. Argentina had gone six games unbeaten before losing 4-2 at home to Nigeria in November of last year despite leadigng 2-0 in the first half, but Messi was absent from that game. They only lost two of their home qualifiers and in friendlies they have only lost two of their last 11.

Italy suffered heartbreak in the World Cup qualifiers when failing to make it to Russia. They finished second behind Spain in their qualifying group and then were defeated by Sweden in the play-offs. That means a frustrating time for the Italians as they look to build towards the future rather than try to win the World Cup this summer. They have only won one of their last four games and goals aren't flowing for them. The last five games have only seen them score three times and each match had under 2.5 goals in them. When it comes to friendlies, Italy don't travel too well with one win in the last six and three in the last 16.  Argentina will be looking to build momentum but Italy will still prove a tough game. Argentina only scored 19 goals in their 18 qualifiers so go for under 2.5 goals to be scored in this match.