EURO 2024 Qualifier Preview: Italy vs North Macedonia Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Nov 17)
- Italy in a battle for second spot in the Group C standings
- North Macedonia eliminated from contention following defeat to Ukraine in October
A thrilling final week of fixtures in Group C are set, as Italy look to gain two wins in a row to book their spot at the EUROs next summer. North Macedonia exited contention last month, but they could present a decent test against the Italians on Friday.
How To Watch
- When: Friday, November 17, 2023, at 2:45 p.m ET
- Where: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
- How To Watch: ESPN
Odds
| Match Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Italy | |
| Draw | |
| North Macedonia |
Match Preview
Italy defied all expectations to win EURO 2020, but they face a fight if they are going to be in Germany next summer to defend their title. The Italians currently sit down in third, but they will play their game in hand over Ukraine on Friday before a head-to-head clash early next week. Italy were beaten 3-1 by England in their latest match, which ended their five-game unbeaten run.
But, their form in this group hasn’t been without its issues, as they were also held to a draw in the reverse fixture against North Macedonia over the summer. A victory for Italy on Friday will see them move up to second, and it would also ensure that a draw against Ukraine on the final matchday would be enough to secure their passage through to the finals.
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North Macedonia were in the hunt for a finish in the qualifying spots before the matches in the previous international break. However, their dreams of reaching the EUROs finals were ended following a disappointing defeat against Ukraine. The hosts this weekend have now won just once across their previous five matches in the group, and they have lost three times over that period.
Defensively, they will need to be much stronger this weekend. North Macedonia have already allowed 14 goals in their six Group C matches. However, it is worth remembering that half of those goals were conceded in a 7-0 drubbing against England at Old Trafford over the summer.
Italy vs North Macedonia Prediction
North Macedonia may have picked up a point against Italy in the reverse fixture, but it will be a different challenge in Rome on Friday. Therefore, we will be siding with Italy to land maximum points to set up a winner-take-all showdown with Ukraine on Monday.
Free Pick:
