Italy v Bulgaria Betting Tips [2 September 2021]

European champions Italy missed out on the last World Cup finals. That's looking unlikely for 2022 as they top Group C by three points and this week host Bulgaria who are one from bottom of the table. Italy go into this game unbeaten in 34 games, last losing to Portugal in 2018. Over 90 minutes, they have only won one of their four games but the Italians remain in great form. In this group, Italy have beaten Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania all without conceding a goal. They lead the group by three points from Switzerland, who they travel to in their next match. The reverse fixture with Bulgaria was played in March with a goal in each half securing a comfortable win. Italy have never lost a home World Cup qualifier in 87 years of playing them.

Bulgaria have just one point from their three games in this group. They are already five points behind the second place that would take them into the play-off round. Aside from the loss to Italy, Bulgaria have lost 3-1 at home to Switzerland (all three goals conceded in the first 13 minutes) and drew at struggling Northern Ireland. The Bulgarians have gone eight games without a win. Their only win in the last 15 matches was a home victory over Gibraltar. Away form has seen no win in 14 and just one goal in the last eight. Italy can get a win here and lead at both half and full time.