Italy vs Namibia Prediction and Betting Tips

🏈 Rugby World Cup 2023 Match Preview

⏰ 9 September 2023 - 21:00 AEST

🏟 Stadium - Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (Saint-Étienne)

The Wallabies will play the All Blacks in a match that's sure to excite all rugby fans. The game will kick off at 21:00 AEST on 09/09/2023.

AusBetSites has betting odds for Australia and New Zealand from over 60 different Australian betting sites across 22 different markets. Right now, most bookmakers have the Aussies as underdogs at $1.02 to take the win.

Looking at the recent head-to-head record, Italy has the clear advantage having won the only previous meeting between these teams in the last 8 years. Italy defeated Namibia 47-22 at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

In terms of recent form, Italy has been inconsistent against top-tier competition but has managed wins against tier 2 nations like Romania and Canada. Namibia has found success against fellow African teams but struggled against European sides Portugal, Spain and Germany.

The odds strongly favour Italy as the favourites at 1.01 on average. Namibia is the underdog at an average of 36.48 for the draw and 11.60 to win.

Given Italy's head-to-head dominance, superior world ranking, and status as large betting favourites, I predict they will defeat Namibia. The Italians have too much talent and experience at the test level compared to Namibia.

Italy vs Namibia Head-to-Head

Italy and Namibia have faced each other once in the last 8 years. That single matchup came at the 2019 Rugby World Cup where Italy defeated Namibia 47-22. Based on the recent head-to-head, Italy has the clear advantage having earned the victory in the duo's last test match. Namibia will be seeking their first-ever win against Italy after losing the only previous encounter between the sides. Italy has proven their superiority in the past and will be strong favorites, but Namibia could spring an upset if they bring their A-game when the teams meet again. The head-to-head edge lies with Italy, but anything can happen when these sides renew their rivalry.

Italy Performance

🟥🟥🟩🟩🟩 Italy has had mixed results in their last 5 matches. The Italians have managed 2 victories but also suffered 3 losses during this stretch. The 2 wins for Italy came against tier 2 opposition in Romania and Canada. However, when facing tougher competition from tier 1 nations, Italy came up short against New Zealand, France, and Ireland. While able to notch wins over lesser rivals, Italy has found it difficult to overcome the world's elite teams. Facing a tier 2 side again in Namibia, the Italians will be hoping their recent form against such opposition can continue with another win. But Italy's struggles against the top teams suggest Namibia may spy an upset opportunity.

Namibia Performance

🟩🟥🟩🟥⬛ Namibia has posted a mixed bag of results in their last 5 matches. Out of the 5 games, the Namibians notched 2 wins and 2 losses along with 1 draw. The victories came against fellow African nations Kenya and Uganda. The losses were suffered at the hands of much higher-ranked Germany and Spain. Namibia's draw occurred in a tightly contested affair with Portugal. Though unable to beat top-tier European sides, Namibia has shown its quality by defeating African rivals. The draw with Portugal also demonstrated Namibia's ability to compete with tough opposition. Their form suggests Namibia can challenge Italy. But the Italians represent a considerable step up in class from any of Namibia's recent opponents.

⚡ Match Facts:

• Italy has competed at every Rugby World Cup since joining in 1987. Namibia has played in five World Cups.
• Italy competes annually in the Six Nations tournament against European powers. Namibia participates in the Rugby Africa Cup.
• The current Italy squad features veteran players like Michele Campagnaro and Carlo Canna. Namibia is led by players such as Johan Deysel and Eugene Jantjies.
• Italy has won 12 of their last 15 matches against African opposition. Namibia has lost 7 straight tests against European teams.
• Italy's most recent match was a 57-7 win over Romania on August 20th. Namibia lost 26-18 to Uruguay in their last test match on August 6th.
• Italy will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 Six Nations where they lost all 5 matches.
• Namibia's best World Cup finish was in 2015 when they reached the quarterfinals of the repechage tournament.

💡 Match Prediction:

• Italy to win
• Predicted score: Italy 28 - Namibia 10
• Recommended bet: Italy -17.5 point handicap at odds of 1.83
• Over/under: Take the under at around 40 points