Italy v North Macedonia predictions: Berardi value to break down underdogs

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Thursday's 2022 World Cup playoff between Italy and North Macedonia.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 7.45pm Thursday

Best bet

Domenico Berardi to be first goalscorer
1pt 5-1 bet365

Match preview

European champions Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and the Azzurri have a tricky path to the 2022 finals with a potential playoff final against Portugal or Turkey.

A home semi-final against North Macedonia should be more straightforward and the Italians are 1-6 to win in 90 minutes although the visitors held them to a 1-1 draw in a 2017 World Cup qualifier in Turin.

North Macedonia also claimed a shock 2-1 qualifying win in Germany last March but legendary skipper Goran Pandev retired after their group-stage exit at Euro 2020.

Domenico Berardi should start on the right of Italy's front three and the Sassuolo star looks a good bet to open the scoring, having notched 14 times in 27 league starts, including four in his last three appearances.

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