The Euro 2024 Qualifiers continue with a captivating clash between Italy and Ukraine. With both teams eyeing a spot in the European Championship, this match carries significant importance. In this article, we provide you with Italy vs Ukraine match predictions and betting tips for this crucial Euro 2024 qualifying fixture set to take place in Milan.
Italy vs Ukraine Predictions
- Ukraine has demonstrated impressive form on the road, having lost only two of their last 12 away European Championship qualifiers.
- Italy, on the other hand, has encountered difficulties in recent home games, winning just two of their last seven in all competitions.
- Three of Ukraine’s last four European Championship qualifiers have featured fewer than 2.5 goals, indicating their tendency to play tight, low-scoring matches.
Pressure Mounting on Azzurri
The reigning European champions, Italy, are facing the prospect of missing out on the opportunity to defend their title in Germany next summer. Their qualification hopes may not see improvement when they host Ukraine.
Luciano Spalletti, Italy’s new head coach, began his tenure with a frustrating 1-1 draw against North Macedonia on Saturday. This result leaves Italy three points behind Ukraine in second place, although they have a game in hand.
With away fixtures against Ukraine and group leaders England still ahead, Tuesday’s showdown at San Siro has taken on added significance.
Italy’s recent home results, with only two wins in their last seven matches in all competitions, make it challenging to trust them to secure the vital victory they need.
Ukraine enters this encounter on the back of an emotionally charged clash with England, even though they played their home qualifier 950km from Kyiv in the Polish city of Wroclaw. Ukrainian fans filled the stadium and cheered their team to a 1-1 draw.
England struggled to breach Ukraine’s resolute defense, and Serhiy Rebrov’s well-organized squad has lost just three of their last 23 international matches.
Ukraine has been clinical in front of goal lately, scoring three or more goals in three of their last four away internationals.
Considering the physical nature of these two teams, who commit more fouls per game than any other side in Group C, this match is likely to be a stop-start affair, potentially limiting the number of goals. Such a scenario could favor the away side.
Given Ukraine’s resilience and ability to avoid defeat, a low-scoring draw in Milan would likely be seen as a satisfactory result for them, allowing them to maintain their advantage over Italy.