Italy v Bulgaria predictions, tips, line-ups and free bets (Euro 2016 qualifiers - 6/9/2015)

Sunday, 06 September 2015 11:36
Written by David Bet

Italy welcome Bulgaria at Stadio Renzo Barbera in Palermo in a crucial Euro 2016 qualifying match as the Azzurri have the chance to cement their place at the top of the group. Read below our Italy v Bulgaria betting preview with free tips, predictions, best odds, probable line-ups, free bets and exclusive no deposit bonuses!

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ITALY v BULGARIA BETTING PREVIEW

Italy are still unbeaten in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, but the team’s performances have been anything but impressive. The Azzurri retained top position in their qualifying group (one point clear of Croatia) after the Thursday's hard-fought 1-0 win over Malta to end a run of three consecutive draws. A win here would surely book their place to France and they could even top the group should Norway beat leaders Croatia.

Coach Antonio Conte in unlikely to make wholesale changes to his side but he is without the injured Andrea Bertolacci and will be replaced by Lazio's Marco Parolo. Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Candreva could also feature as Verratti and Gabbiadini were a bit disappointing last time out. Stefano Sturaro will not feature for the visiting side due to suspension, while Claudio Marchisio is also out through injury.

Bulgaria missed a good chance to climb to the play-off place in their qualifying group, with the team suffering a bloody 1-0 home loss to Norway few days ago. They have failed to win any of their 4 fixtures at the Vasil Levsk National Stadium in the qualifying campaign and only managed to beat Azerbaijan and Malta on their travels. Furthermore, the Lions have kept just one clean sheet in their 7 qualifying matches.

Coach Ivaylo Petev could rotate his XI following their 1-0 loss to Norway in their last outing. Aleksandar Tonev, Dimitar Rangelov, Todor Nedelev and Ventsislav Hristov are all available to feature while Valeri Bojinov will miss the match due to injury.

Italy are unbeaten in 37 home qualifiers since 1999 (31W, 6D, 0L). The teams played out a 2-2 draw earlier this year as a late strike from Eder saved Italy from defeat in Bulgaria.