Italy v Israel

Italy vs Israel Preview

Italy will be looking to press on with what has been en encouraging and promising start to this new edition of the Nations League as the hosts sit top of the Group 2 table with seven points under their belts, while by contrast, Israel find themselves struggling at the foot of the table with zero points to their name following three defeats on the trot.

Two wins and a draw have helped lift the Azzurri into top spot in what is a challenging group with the likes of France and Belgium also competing for a possible top two finish but having gained important victories away from home at France 3-1 and Israel 2-1 along with a 2-2 draw at home with Belgium, the Italians now look in pole position to progress through to the knockout rounds.

Luciano Spalletti's side now hold home advantage for this upcoming return fixture against the basement dwellers, Israel, and another three points on Monday night would see Italy take a huge step towards sealing not only a top two finish but perhaps also claiming top spot as well.

A thoroughly underwhelming showing in the Euro 2024 finals now looks to be behind Italy as they look to push on with another victory here on Monday night.

Israel are finding life difficult in the step up into League A after achieving promotion from League B at the end of the previous Nations League campaign, as the visitors sit rock bottom of the Group 2 table.

Three early defeats on the trot against Belgium 3-1, Italy 2-1 and France 4-1 suggest Israel could be beating a hasty retreat back to the second tier of the Nations League competition unless Ran Ben Shimon's side can produce a few minor miracles from now until the end of the group stage.

However, having managed to capture just two wins from their previous 10 internationals in all competitions, which came in the shape of rare wins against Andorra and Belarus while also slipping to a total of seven losses as well, Israel look to have their work cut out again on Monday night when they make their way to the Bluenergy Stadium.

The bigger picture shows Israel have also struggled to gain any sort of consistency on their travels overall as the visitors have collected just four wins in their last 15 outings on the road in all competitions, whilst being handed nine defeats in the process as well.

Italy v Israel Verdict

Italy are priced as outright favourites for this upcoming clash but the goals market appeals here as seven out of the last 10 home and away games respectively for Italy and Israel have resulted in Over 2.5 goals being scored.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.53

Other side bets worth considering:

Italy win & Over 2 goals @ 1.66

Correct Score: Italy 3-1 @ 11.00