Kick-off: 1945, 26/09/2022
Stadium: Puskas Arena
TV: Premier Sports
Hungary started out as rank outsiders to win Nations League Group A3 but now only have to avoid defeat at home to Italy to top the table.
The Magyars were beaten by the Azzurri in Cesena in June but three victories and a draw elsewhere have put them in pole position for a place in the finals.
We reckon 87/100 for the hosts not to lose here is hard to resist in our first Hungary vs Italy prediction.
Hungary Odds
Hungary kicked off with a 1-0 triumph against England before that 2-1 reversal versus Italy and then drew 1-1 with Germany at this venue.
The Magyars made a real statement of intent when thrashing the Three Lions 4-0 at Molineux, finishing strongly with three goals in the last 20 minutes.
Marco Rossi’s side belied their underdog status once more with Friday’s 1-0 win over Germany in Leipzig, when captain Adam Szalai scored his 26th international goal.
Hungary predictably sat back and defended after that 17th-minute flick from a corner but goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi only had to pull off a few solid saves to maintain the advantage.
Szalai, who is scheduled to retire from international football after this game, said: “I am very proud we were able to beat Germany after the England wins.
“It’s an incredible result but with the work that the team puts in every day, it is no accident.”
Head coach Rossi will be determined to finish the job off against his compatriots and added: “It will be a special match for me against Italy.”
The visitors will be forced to come out and attack, so 11/5 for Rossi’s side to avoid defeat and both teams to score takes the eye from the Hungary vs Italy odds.
Italy Odds
Italy drew with Germany and England either side of edging out Hungary, when Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Pellegrini did the damage.
The Azzurri suffered a major blip when hammered 5-2 in Germany, where only a couple of late consolation strikes salvaged some pride.
However, they kept their hopes of securing top spot alive via a 1-0 defeat of the Three Lions in Milan.
Giacomo Raspadori’s superb 68th-minute strike was a rare glimpse of quality in an otherwise scrappy contest.
Roberto Mancini’s Euro 2020 champions failed to qualify for the World Cup but are eyeing this tournament for some redemption.
“We needed a win like this, in a stadium like this, against a great team,” said Raspadori. “We have shown that we have the ambition to go back to being who we know we are.”
Defender Leonardo Bonucci added: “We are going to Hungary to play for first place and I believe that if we succeed, it will be a great result for the team’s growth.
“Nothing will give us back not participating in the World Cup but it would be important for our growth anyway.”
However, the Azzurri are missing some key players at present, including Pellegrini and Marco Verratti, while Ciro Immobile sat out the England clash.
With Giorgio Chiellini, Lorenzo Insigne, Federico Bernardeschi and Andrea Belotti not in contention, Italy are a team in transition.
We’re finishing off our Hungary vs Italy betting tips by taking 15/4 for a score draw.
Additional stats
Last result:
Germany 0-1 HUNGARY – Adam Szalai
ITALY 1-0 England – Giacomo Raspadori
Head-to-head: Italy 2-1 Hungary, Hungary 3-1 Italy, Italy 3-1 Hungary, Hungary 1-1 Italy
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