Iceland vs Italy Live Stream & Tips – Iceland Underestimated in the World Cup 2027 Qualifiers
In a crucial qualifier game, Iceland stand as strong contenders against Italy, who are missing head coach Banchi and five key players. Historically, Iceland have troubled Italy in qualification matches. Given these absences, backing Iceland at a +4.5 handicap is recommended, as the Azzurri are likely to struggle to field their best performance.
- Iceland defeated Italy in the first round of these qualifiers
- We don't view them as underdogs for this clash on Thursday
- Watch Iceland vs Italy live in the FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifiers
Match Preview
Italy are once again having a lot of problems with injured and absent players, so there is room for Iceland to pull an upset on Azzurri once again.
Iceland in Control of Qualification Race
Iceland are in full control when it comes to their chances of advancing to the FIBA World Cup 2027 second phase, currently occupying 3rd place in Group D with two victories and two defeats.
They started this campaign by forcing a major upset, defeating Italy 81-76 as visitors, where Elvar Fridrikson was unstoppable with 29 points, five assists and three rebounds, but they wasted a big opportunity to make it two in a row, losing to Great Britain 90-84 at home.
Another upset was recorded in the third round, with Iceland taking down favored Lithuania 86-85 in a very dramatic finish, but they couldn’t do much in the reverse tie, losing 99-82 in Kaunas.
Italy Closing In on Second Phase Spot
Italy are very close to clinching a spot in the second phase too, claiming three victories in four matches in Group D and currently holding the leading position.
The start of the qualifiers was quite frustrating for Azzurri, who surprisingly lost at home to Iceland 81-76 but then recovered with back-to-back victories against Lithuania 82-81 and Great Britain 93-57, both on the road.
They didn’t have a lot of problems in their second home appearance, beating Great Britain once again 84-75. Virtus Bologna’s rising star Saliou Niang was the standout performer here with 23 points and seven rebounds.
Verdict
Iceland are traditionally causing a lot of problems for Italy in qualifying matches. Azzurri are without their head coach Banchi and five key players are also absent, so I see value in backing the home side to win in a +4.5 handicap.
Iceland +4.5
Asian Handicap
@9/10 - 2 Units
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Iceland v Italy
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