Italy vs England betting tips, best odds and predictions: Bukayo Saka to be the difference in tight game

England get their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign underway on Thursday night with a tricky opening match against Italy in Naples.

It is England's first game since their World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.

There were doubts over whether England manager Gareth Southgate would continue in the role after the disappointment of Qatar.

But he has committed his future to the Three Lions and is hoping to finally end the long wait for silverware at the next Euros, which will be hosted by Germany.

Up first for England, is a difficult trip to face Italy at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium – in a repeat of the Euro 2020 final, which ended in a penalty shootout win for the Azzurri at Wembley.

Here are our betting tips for the Euro 2024 qualifier, based on odds provided by Sky Bet.

Who are favourites to win?

Despite being the visitors, England will head into the match as slight favourites.

You can back the Three Lions at 8/5 to win away from home, with Italy slightly worse odds at 19/10.

Meanwhile, the draw has been priced at 21/20.

Expect a tight game

Neither team will want to start their qualification campaign with a defeat, so it is likely to a cagey game - especially in the first half.

Each of the last five games between the two teams had no more than two goals, with the two most recent meetings in the Nations League ending 1-0 and 0-0.

The draw and under 2.5 goals in 5/2, which looks decent value. The bet against both teams scoring is 10/11.

Saka could be the difference

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka is in the form of his life and was one of England's stand-out players at the World Cup in Qatar.

You can get odds on him to score and England to win at 6/1.

Another bet to consider is Saka and Harry Kane to each have one shot on target at 2/1, which looks very good value.

Italy vs England long shots

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, here's a bet I had my eye on.

Harry Maguire to get a header on target and also be booked is 18/1.

You can also get the Manchester United captain to score and be booked at 80/1.

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

Topics: England, Bukayo Saka, Football, Euro 2024, Italy

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan