Aaron Hughes is eyeing a big upset when he leads Northern Ireland (9/2 totesport.com Match Betting) out on Friday night and feels that if the team can repeat its performance from the opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia, then they can upset Italy (7/10 to win, 12/5 the draw) at Windsor Park.
Northern Ireland (8/1 to qualify for Euro 2012) have enjoyed a good recent run in qualifying matches, losing just one of their last eight games with debutant Corry Evans scoring the the only goal against Slovenia in Maribor to get the Euro 2012 Group C qualifying campaign off to a perfect start.
However, Italy have won both their opening games to currently top the group, having beaten Estonia 2-1 away before a comfortable 5-0 rout of Faroe Islands in Florence.
Following a dismal World Cup campaign, the Azzurri are going through a transitional phase but Hughes still believes it would be a ‘massive’ achievement if Northern Ireland avoided defeat in their first home match in qualifying.
However, the Fulham defender also insists that a result is not beyond them if they can show the form that earned them the first win of the campaign.
“We said at the start that you try to pick up what you can on your travels. This is our first home match in the campaign and to get something from it would be massive,” Hughes said.
“It’s not a must-win where we need all three points. Even if we come away with a point, we’ve got to remember who we’re playing, one of the top sides in the world.
“So to come out of the game with something would be a fantastic result for us. It would add to what we’ve already got.
“Italy have talented, exceptional players that can cause you all sorts of problems if you’re not on your game.
“But if we approach the game like we did in Slovenia and do the same things we’ll give ourselves a chance.”
Craig Cathcart, who made his debut in that opening victory against Slovenia, is currently suffering with a back spasm, which may see Manchester United defender Jonny Evans return to the starting line-up.
That is expected to be the only change with Slovenia match-winner Corry Evans again starting from the bench.
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has also stated that Roma striker Marco Borriello (5/1 to be first or last goalscorer) has been preferred to Sampdoria’s Giampaolo Pazzini and Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi and will lead the line for the visitors.
The 28-year-old starts alongside Antonio Cassano and Simone Pepe in a 4-3-3 formation, while Lazio’s Stefano Mauri has been recalled to the side for the first time in three years, and will play alongside Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi in midfield.
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.