These two nations meet as Portugal look to end a long period without a win against the Azzuri, and this could be their best chance in recent times to achieve that.
Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup at the round of 16 and their squad remains one that has been helped by ageing players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe – without this duo, they have struggled to win games.
Fernando Santos has been allowed to remain as their manager after he masterminded a Euro 2016 win however his team may have hit a brick wall now that Ronaldo looks closer to retirement and has asked to be excluded from these games.
Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in several decades when they lost to Sweden in the playoffs last November.
Indeed, the Italian national team is undergoing a major transition at the moment.
Roberto Mancini has been given the task of restoring their former glory, and he has brought back Mario Balotellito to bring in the goals however there seems to be a long way to go before they can get back among the big boys of European football.
They drew their last game at home 1-1 against Poland and Mancini will be hoping his players can do better in this match.
Portugal’s recent record against Italy is a depressing one at best as they have been beaten 18 times out of 25 games against them.
The Italians have won their last three matches against the European champions regardless of where it has been played.
Despite the above statistics, betting markets favour Portugal at home while goal markets suggest this will be a tight, low-scoring affair.
Results of each team’s last 5 matches across all leagues and competitions
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