Italy U21 have made an entertaining start to their European Under-21 Championship campaign, losing a dramatic Group D opener 2-1 to France before a 3-2 win over Switzerland, and they look solid favourites to see off Norway U21, who have lost their first two games.
Italy U21 vs Norway U21 Betting Tips
Date: Wednesday 28th June
Time: 19:45
Location: Cluj Arena, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Team news
Italy striker Pietro Pellegri was replaced at half-time by Matteo Cancellieri against Switzerland but Pellegri, who scored in the defeat to France, should keep his place in the starting line-up. AC Milan’s Newcastle-bound midfielder Sandro Tonali captains the side.
Norway coach Leif Gunnar Smerud has been frustrated by his side’s lack of cutting edge up front so forwards Seedy Jatta and Emil Ceide, who came off the bench against France, are pushing for starts.
Italy U21 to win and Over 2.5 Goals @ 7/5
Italy U21 will qualify for the knockout stages if they avoid defeat and Switzerland fail to beat France in the other Group D fixture but they will want to give themselves the best chance of topping the section with a comprehensive win over Norway.
The Azzurrini have shown plenty of attacking flair in their first two matches, racking up 16 attempts at goal in their 2-1 loss to France before racing into a 3-0 lead over the Swiss by half-time.
However, they conceded twice in the second half of that game and Norway, who need to win by at least two goals to have any chance of qualifying, could add to the goal tally at the Cluj Arena.
The Norwegians will have to take risks, which may prove dangerous against a lively Italian attacking unit, so backing Italy U21 to win and over 2.5 goals looks a solid bet.
Wilfried Gnonto to be First Goalscorer @ 13/2
Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto scored Italy’s second goal against Switzerland in the 11th minute and he is a tempting price to break the deadlock on Wednesday.
Gnonto is the youngest ever goalscorer for Italy’s senior team, finding the net in a Nations League defeat to Germany in June 2022, and he had won 11 international caps for the Azzurri before dropping back down to Under-21 level for the Euros.
He partnered Torino’s Pietro Pellegri up front in a 3-5-2 formation against Switzerland, admitting after the game that he “could have scored three goals”, and he will be hungry to make his mark in the final group fixture.
Gnonto reacted well to bundle the ball in after his header was saved by the Swiss goalkeeper and he can expect more chances against a Norway side who have to attack the Azzurrini after losing their first two games.
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