England v Italy Tips: Vardy the difference in tight Wembley friendly?
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England will be looking to make it two friendly victories from two when they face Italy on Tuesday.
The Three Lions saw off the Netherlands 1-0 in Amsterdam on Friday night courtesy of a Jesse Lingard goal midway through the second-half.
Gareth Southgate experimented with his side in that game. He’s expected to do the same again at Wembley.
Jamie Vardy, Adam Lallana, Dele Alli and Danny Welbeck could all feature from the off in North London.
The hosts look set to start as even-money favourites to record a first success against Italy since 2012. The visitors are 14/5, while you can back the draw at 2/1.
Fixtures between the two nations tend to be tight.
Only one head-to-head since 1977 has been decided by more than one goal – England’s 2-0 triumph at Le Tournoi in 1997.
And with the Three Lions’ last two games at Wembley both ending 0-0, we’re expecting another tight encounter in this one.
Alternatively, England to Win and Under 2.5 Goals is 27/10.
It’s also worth remembering Southgate’s impeccable defensive record as England boss. The Three Lions haven’t conceded a single goal in their last five matches in all competitions.
Italy, by contrast, have failed to score in their last three contests – including in a 2-0 reverse against Argentina on Friday night.
England to Win to Nil is 2/1.
But what about goalscorers?
Leicester forward Vardy is expected to gain a starting berth after featuring off the bench in the Netherlands on Friday.
The 31-year-old has bagged 14 goals in the Premier League so far this season. He’s also struck six times for his country since his debut in 2015. It’s 4/1 that he Scores First and 13/8 that he Nets Anytime.
Lazio star Ciro Immobile carries the biggest threat for the Azzurri. The 6ft 1in centre-forward has 34 goals in 38 games so far this season and is 9/4 Anytime.
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All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
