Italy-Aerbeijan

The Azzurri play in Palermo this week, with Antonio Conte's side looking to continue their 100 per cent winning record but our tipster is backing the visitors to avoid a big loss

Italy and Azerbaijan meet at the Stadio Renzo Barbera with Antonio Conte looking to follow up their victory away at Norway with another win in Euro 2016 qualifying.

After a disappointing summer in Brazil, where Italy exited the World Cup at the group stages, it is vital that the Azzurri cruise through this qualification campaign without hiccups and restore some confidence ahead of the tournament.

With Bulgaria and Croatia in Group H with them, it is not going to be a walk in the park for the Italians although the bookmakers expect somewhat of an easy ride in this match. bet365 price them at 1/10 (1.10)to beat Azerbaijan.



The visitors lost their opening qualifying match at home to Bulgaria, conceding a late goal after they'd equalised earlier in the second half. Despite not collecting any points there are signs of hope for the underdogs in this game.

Azerbaijan should provide a test for Italy, especially after only losing three matches in their World Cup qualification group for Brazil over the last two years. That group included Portugal, Russia and Israel so this game should be no walkover. Despite that, bet365 still price them at 24/1 (25.00) to pull off a win, with the firm pricing the draw at 8/1 (9.00).

With the market heavily in favour of the home side, there is little value to be found in the half-time/full-time market, as well as the total goals which all assume a comfortable win for the favourites.

Southampton striker Graziano Pelle has been called up to the squad for the first time after a sensational start in the Premier League. The price of 21/20 (2.05) is tempting for him to net anytime but, with his starting place not guaranteed, it is worth avoiding the price until the starting lineups are out. 



However, the handicap market makes for interesting reading, with Azerbaijan +3 (European handicap) available at 4/5 (1.80) with bet365.

Despite winning only once in the qualification for the World Cup in Brazil, Azerbaijan drew six times, with this bet landing in nine of their 10 matches, including games against Portugal and Russia.

With this bet paying out against Italy in their last 23 matches, it’s worth backing Azerbaijan to restrict Italy this week and frustrate them in Palermo.

Azerbaijan +3 handicap at 4/5 (1.80)