Italy U21 vs Latvia U21 Prediction: Italy to win and land double blow to Latvia

| March 21 |

3 mins read

The U21 Euro qualifiers continue as Italy come up against Latvia for the second time since their draw in the opening game. The Stadio Dino Manuzzi is the stage for this 17:15 GMT kick-off as both teams look to pick up vital points to improve or solidify their standing in Group A.

Italy currently top the group while Latvia sit in fourth. The Italians are undefeated so far which gives them the edge – though were held to a draw by Ireland last time out. For Latvia, a win against Turkey, and being the only team to prevent Italy from scoring, may give them some confidence.

Italy U21 vs Latvia U21 Prediction

Italy U21 to win 2-0 @ 5/1
Under 2.5 match goals @ 9/4

Team News

Italy have goalscorer Wilfried Gnonto back in the side after he failed to receive a call-up to the senior squad. The defence is strong with Atalanta’s Matteo Ruggeri featuring alongside the experienced Lorenzo Pirola. Italy also have start power in the form of Cesare Casadei - who won both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the last U20 World Cup - and Juventus’ Fabio Miretti, who has 20 appearances for his club so far this season.

The Latvians line-up is mostly unchanged with captain Jans Beks leading his team from between the sticks. Midfielder Lukass Vapne, who has scored twice in five appearances, is included along with forward Bruno Melnis, who has only scored once in four games.

Match Odds

Italy are the overwhelming favourites for this clash at 1/20, whilst Latvia land as a big underdog at 20/1. A draw in this game is priced at 8/1, with both teams to score at a 7/4.

Italy U21 to win 2-0 @ 5/1

An Italy win is the most likely outcome in this game and 5/1 on a 2-0 victory is good value for what seems to be a routine win for the hosts. Latvia are unlikely to score in this game, even though they held them to a scoreless draw in their first meeting, the Italians’ run of form and 66.7% of winning to nil work in their favour against this inconsistent side.

Italy have only failed to register two goals on once against this Latvian side. However, this is a much-improved Italian team with the inclusion of prolific Wilfred Gnonto, who did not feature in their game against Latvia. In the game against Ireland, he recorded his fourth goal in two matches for the U21s side.

While they may have drawn to Ireland, the late goal from Gnonto is a sign that this team is a team which can strike at any moment.

Under 2.5 match goals @ 9/4

There will not be goals galore in this game, the value of under 2.5 goals at 9/4 is clear for teams who aren’t consistent high-scorers.

As a side, Italy have only registered over 2.5 goals once with a 7-0 thrashing of San Marino. However, the quality of opposition is improved from that game. Latvia goalkeeper Beks has had one nightmare this tournament in a heavy 7-0 defeat to Norway but has not repeated it since.

Italian goalkeeper, Sebastiano Desplanches, has kept four clean sheets in five for the home side which has made him a reliable first choice for Carmine Nunziata. This 80% clean sheet record implies a strong backline for Italy which will keep the Latvian attack muted for the game.