Italy begin the defense of their title against the team they defeated for the crown four years ago when they host England on Thursday in the Group C opener of the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying. The Italians, who won the championship for the first time in 1968, edged the English 3-2 in penalties in the 2020 final after the sides battled to a 1-1 draw through extra time. Italy also appeared in the title match in 2000 and 2012 but lost to France and Spain, respectively.
Kickoff at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples is set for 3:45 p.m. ET. The English are the +155 favorites (risk $100 to win $155) in the latest England vs. Italy odds at Caesars Sportsbook, while the Italians are +190 underdogs. A 90-minute draw is priced at +195 and the over/under for total goals scored is 2.5. Before locking in any Italy vs. England picks, you need to see what proven SportsLine soccer expert Martin Green has to say.
After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Green is 54-62-1 on his SportsLine soccer picks since the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup, generating a slight profit for bettors.
Now, Green has broken down England vs. Italy from every possible angle and just revealed his picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see Green's picks. Here are the betting lines and trends for Italy vs. England:
- England vs. Italy money line: England +155, Italy +190, Draw +195
- England vs. Italy over/under: 2.5 goals
- ENG: The Three Lions allowed a total of two goals over their final four World Cup matches
- ITA: The Italians outscored their opponents 7-0 while winning all three Euro 2020 qualifiers
- England vs. Italy picks: See picks here
Why you should back England
The English will be looking to start strong after dropping a 2-1 decision to France in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup. Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling will not be available due to injury and fitness issues, respectively, but England still has a number of players capable of providing offense. The most dangerous is Harry Kane, who ranks second in the English Premier League with 21 goals for Tottenham.
The 29-year-old striker netted England's lone tally in the World Cup loss to France and also converted in a 3-0 triumph over Senegal in the Round of 16. Forward Bukayo Saka and midfielder Jordan Henderson scored in that victory as well, with the former adding a pair of goals in a 6-0 group-stage win against Iran. The 21-year-old Saka is sixth in the Premier League with 12 tallies, including two in Arsenal's 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Why you should back Italy
Italy have not lost a Euro qualifying match on home soil since 1999, when they dropped a 3-2 decision to Denmark. Overall, the Italians have won 14 consecutive qualification games and are unbeaten in 40 straight since losing 3-1 to France in 2006. The club will need to receive offense from sources other than Ciro Immobile and Giacomo Raspadori, who both will be missing due to injuries.
One of the players on which Italy will be counting is Vincenzo Grifo, who has registered 12 goals and four assists in 24 matches with Freiburg of the German Bundesliga this season. The 29-year-old German-born winger scored twice for the Italians in their 3-1 triumph over Albania in a friendly last November. Also tallying in that contest was 29-year-old defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who scored his first two goals for the national team during 2022 World Cup qualifying.
How to make Italy vs. England picks
Green has scrutinized the England vs. Italy match from every angle. He is taking the Under on the goal total and has locked another best bet for this star-studded matchup. You can only see his UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying picks and analysis at SportsLine.
So, who wins England vs. Italy? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for Italy vs. England, all from the European soccer expert who knows the sport inside and out, and find out.
