Italy’s winning streak to continue in Bosnia
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Italy - 15/11/2019
2925
Bosnia & Herzegovina know only a win will do as they welcome Group J leaders Italy on Friday. The hosts must claim all three points to keep their faint hopes of qualifying for Euro 2020 alive.
Bosnia currently sit fourth in Group J, five points behind second-place Finland. They have picked up ten points from eight games, and will need maximum points from their final two matches to be in contention for qualification.
However, matters will be out of their own hands if Finland avoid defeat. Bosnia may have to settle for a playoff place if results don’t go their way.
On the other hand, Italy have already booked their place at next summer’s tournament after winning each of their eight qualifying games. The Azzuri are a whopping nine points clear at the top of the group.
Roberto Mancini’s side have scored a total of 25 goals this campaign, an average of over three goals per game. They have also been extremely solid at the back, conceding just three times in eight matches.
Meanwhile Bosnia have also scored freely in Group J, but their defensive record is a cause for concern. Robert Prosinecki’s team have netted 17 goals so far, while conceding 14.
In the reverse fixture, Italy came from behind to beat Bosnia 2-1. Edin Dzeko gave his side the lead, but goals from Lorenzo Insigne and Marco Verratti ensured Italy came away with all three points.
Roma striker Dzeko remains Bosnia’s main goal threat, but midfielder Amer Gojak is also enjoying a very fruitful qualifying campaign. The Dinamo Zagreb man has scored four and assisted three so far.
Mancini has named an interesting squad. Due to Italy already sealing qualification, the manager is likely to field an experimental team on Friday. Riccardo Orsolini, Andrea Cistana and Gaetano Castrovilli could all make their debuts.
However, the experience of Marco Verratti, Lorenzo Insigne and Jorginho will make it very difficult for Bosnia to get anything from this match.
Bosnia have been very inconsistent recently, but they still have a chance of making it to the finals. The result will certainly mean more to the hosts, but Italy are a far stronger outfit. The visitors will be playing with freedom, while Bosnia are likely to be anxious to get a result.
Forebet predicts that Italy’s winning streak will continue. A narrow victory and a clean sheet is on the cards for the away side.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
EuQ
183448
2
0 - 1
2.03
8° 1.97
3.92
3.78
1.97
1
1
-1
0 - 3(0 - 2)