Italy vs Nigeria: Prediction and Betting Tips

Italy will have to be in top form 

In their 13th appearance in the Olympic games, Italy need a win to qualify to the knockout stages of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games. The two-time silver medal winners in 1980 and 2000, won their first match against Germany and lost the second to Australia.

It was a very close match against the Aussies with Italy leading the score in many periods of the game. Coach Sacchetti’s team were very close to winning the game but the difference was the Australians’ size which was a big problem for the Italians to defend especially Ingles who made 4-9 from the arc. The Italians are a great team and must be able to overcome Nigeria.

Italy Key Stats

• The average field goal percentage in Toyo made by Italy is 50% 
• Italy have scored on average 87.5 points per match in Tokyo
• 40% is the percentage of the three points made by Italy in Tokyo

Nigeria playing for pride

The one-time African champions in 2015 Nigeria are appearing in their third Olympic games after 2012 and 2016. In London, Nigeria finished in the tenth position, while in Rio they finished 11th. D’Tigers also have three participations in the Fiba World Cup.

Coach Mike Brown’s team lost their two matches so far in the Tokyo Olympic Games. They don’t have a logical chance of reaching the knockout stage but will do their best to have a better finish than they did in the previous games. Nigeria lost tier first match by 27 points from Australia. It was a better result in the second match losing by seven points to Germany.

Nigeria Key Stats

• In their last match, Nigeria made 50% of their field goals
• 18 turnovers were made by Nigeria in their last match
• Nigeria scored 17 three-pointers against Germany

Italy vs Nigeria Prediction

It is a very important match for Italy. Coach Sacchetti must be ready for a very aggressive game as the Africans are known for. We can see the aggressiveness in Nigeria’s 26 fouls against Germany. 

Mannion and Fontecchio were the top performers against Australia and more is needed of them in this match in addition to a contribution from Gallinari who was very quiet with six points.

Italy are the favorites to win with 1.42 odds at Vbet. We will bet on the total points scored in the match. Over 172 points is a very probable outcome in this match considering their last match’s scores.

Italy vs Nigeria Betting Tips

Over 172 Points 1.81 at Vbet 

Under 45 First Quarter Points 1.57 at Vbet