Soccer Picks

Italy vs. North Macedonia 3/24/22 UEFA World Cup Qualifications Playoffs Soccer Pick, Predictions, and Odds

Italy vs. North Macedonia
March 24, 2022 3:45 pm EDT
The Line: Over 2.5 -159, Under 2.5 +130
(Get latest betting odds)

Italy is hosting North Macedonia at Renzo Barbera in the semifinals of the UEFA World Cup Qualifications playoffs. Italy is one of the top teams in the world, but they have brought this on themselves by not winning any of their last 2 games in these qualifications. North Macedonia has won their last 2 games in the qualifications, and that was enough for them to stay in 2nd place in their group.

Italy is ranked at number 6 in the FIFA standings, but in their last two games they played like a lot weaker team, and there is a chance they won’t qualify for the World Cup. In their last 2 games, Italy needed at least 1 win, but they tied in both of their games, and the last one was especially weird. Italy ended in 2nd place with 16 points, they have scored 13 goals, while they have conceded only 2 goals. These stats are pretty good for a team in second place, but Switzerland was better than them, and they have deserved that top spot. Overall, Italy is still one of the best teams in the world, they have incredible depth, especially in the attacking end where they have some of the best strikers from Serie A, and I hope they can qualify, otherwise this will be their second World Cup in a row they will miss.

North Macedonia has given their all in the Euro Cup last year, but it hasn’t helped them. Overall, I think North Macedonia is a decent team, which they proved by getting to these additional qualifications, but they still lack depth and quality to compete with the big dogs. In their last 4 games, North Macedonia has 3 wins a loss, and that was enough for second place. Bardhi, Elmas, and Trajkovski were the most efficient players for North Macedonia with 4 goals each. As far as their roster goes, North Macedonia has their best players available for this matchup, but even that might not be enough. Ranked as the 67th national team in the FIFA standings, North Macedonia is constantly improving, they have invested in their youth development, but I don’t think they are yet ready for the big stage which is the World Cup. There are some great players in North Macedonia, they will get better in the future, but as of right now, I think they will have a tough time against Italy.

These two teams have met twice in the past, and Italy has 1 win, while the other game ended in a draw. Italy needs this more, I think they want it more, and they better because it was their own fault to end up here. I think Italy gets a nice home win.

Goran Kucar's Free Pick: Italy and over 2.5 -143

Need More? Get Premium Picks

Goran Kucar

I was born and raised in Croatia, and with that, I was raised with soccer all around me. I love playing soccer, watching soccer, and now I love writing and handicapping soccer at PickDawgz and SportsChatPlace.

Related Articles

Back to top button