Italy vs Armenia Predictions

Italy are chasing history when they step out in Palermo on Monday night. They have already booked their place at Euro 2020, but won’t be in the mood to gift points away in this meeting with Armenia. It’s a straightforward finish for a side who don’t need the points, while it’s also a chance for the Italians to cap a perfect 2019 by seeing off one of the group’s poorest sides.

Italy had a year to forget after missing out on the World Cup late in 2017. They sat at home all of the following summer as the best sides in the world gathered in Russia. However, that allowed Roberto Mancini to come in and wipe the slate clean. He has revolutionised this Italian squad, with a possession-heavy midfield, a renewed defensive set-up and a potent attack. That has brought about a record-breaking spell for Italy, who have won their last 10 matches heading into this game.

Armenia face a major test in this trip given the high Italy are on. The visitors come here having lost over half their matches in this group. That includes their last two games, which they’ve lost to nil against Finland and Greece. They have struggled on the road this time around, while in World Cup qualifying they secured just one point in five trips. Now Armenia head to Palermo to meet Italy at the worst time.

While the hosts should be easier to meet having qualified, they can wrap up a 100% record for 2019 with a win. Their 10-game winning run broke a record which had stood since the 30s. It’s hard not to be pulled in by a side who have recovered from their World Cup failure in such spectacular fashion.

Italy have put together a great unbeaten run, keeping a clean sheet in all but two of their last 11 matches, while nine of the 13 goals Armenia have scored in this group have come against the two sides below them. In their toughest fixture, we expect them to draw a blank, so Italy to win to nil is our pick for this one.

We’re also backing the Italians to see off Armenia with a 2-0 victory in this clash. We expect the pair to put this campaign behind them with different emotions, but the Italians don’t really need to put on a show. A win for them would round of a perfect year, while we expect very little going forward from the visitors. With the visitors conceding two or more goals in six of their last seven trips, we think a 2-0 home victory is a good option in the correct score betting.