Italy vs Turkey tips and predictions: Goals in good supply as hosts extend good form

The current holders of the European Championship are preparing for Euro 2024, where they will look to defend their title despite being underdogs.

Italy qualified for Euro 2024 by finishing second in a group won by England, the team they defeated in the final three years ago. Group C foes Ukraine also made it to Germany.

At the European Championship, Turkey will be in Group F alongside Portugal, Czechia and Georgia, while Italy may have the toughest group, alongside Spain, Croatia and Albania. 

The two-time European champions (1968 and 2020) were underdogs in 2020 and again, they’re a bigger price than, England, France, Spain, Portugal and hosts Germany.

Roberto Mancini, the man who oversaw the Azzurri’s second title, departed for a job in Saudi Arabia in 2023 and was replaced by Luciano Spalletti.

His tenure is off to a positive start with wins over Venezuela, 2-1, and Ecuador, 2-0, setting the stage for warm-up matches against Turkey and Bosnia.

Turkey, led by Italian manager Vincenzo Montella, are winless in three matches, so they’ll be keen to put that right against Italy and their next opponent, Poland.

Given Italy’s strong home record and Turkey’s leaky defence, that seems unlikely. A home win and plenty of goalmouth action feel probable.

The two national teams have squared off 12 times, with Italy dominating with nine wins and three draws. The most recent meeting took place in Turkey and finished 3-2 to the visitors. 

 

Suggested bets

Italy -1 Asian handicap

Both teams to score

Over 2.5 goals

• Sergiu Baltuta provides tips as SVB Tips on Tipstrr