Italy vs. Macedonia: Preview and betting tips

Italy will face the semi-finals of the World Cup barrage in Qatar on Thursday. It will welcome Macedonia on home soil and its fans will take nothing but a sovereign victory. What to expect from the match and what to bet on?

Italy had the qualification in their hands all along, but only drew in the last round against Northern Ireland, leaving the first place to Switzerland. Still, its amazing long-term streak cannot be overlooked, with the Squadra Azzura having lost only one of its last thirty-eight matches.

Macedonia secured the barrage in the last round. In the lightest group, it fought Romania from afar and a 3-1 win over Iceland was enough. After its historic qualification for the Euros, the non-football country will have another feast in the form of a barrier.

Italy relies on Ciro Immobile, the burly striker has scored twenty-six goals and assisted four this season through all competitions. Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi has fourteen goals and fourteen assists.

Macedonia is led by Eljif Elmas, who has scored six goals and assisted six times for Napoli. Enis Bardhi in the jersey of Spanish Levante was in five goals (3+2), Arijan Ademi makes captain in Dinamo Zagreb.

Despite their excellent long-term form, Italy have struggled offensively, scoring more than one goal in only two of their last nine games.

In contrast, Macedonia’s offense has been on point the last two meetings, scoring at least twice in four of the last six games.

Considering the form of the two offensive mainstays, I think Italy will easily eliminate Macedonia and win by at least two goals.