Euro 2016 Qualifying Tips: Italy among three must-back guests

Antonio Conte won his first encounter as Italy national coach

There have been lots of away wins already in Euro 2016 qualifying. Michael Lintorn tips three more for Netherlands, Turkey and Italy...

Czech Republic v Netherlands
Tuesday, 19:45
Live on ITV4

Match Odds: Czech Republic 4.47/2, Netherlands 2.01/1, The Draw 3.55n/a

World Cup 2014 theme song rapper Pitbull calls himself Mr Worldwide, but Guus Hiddink is more worthy of that title in football circles having dotted lines on chalkboards in South Korea, Australia, Russia and Turkey. However, his second stint as Netherlands boss got off to the worst possible start as he surrendered their Louis van Gaal-constructed ten-match unbeaten run with a 0-2 loss in Italy.

The Oranje have bossed their previous three qualifying groups though, winning 26 games out of 28, with the two setbacks not arriving until the second year of their respective cycles, by which point progress was either confirmed or almost certain. With Malta the only team that Czech Republic have conquered in their past six competitive home outings, the Netherlands have to be backed at evens.

Recommended Bet: Back Netherlands to win at 2.01/1

Iceland v Turkey
Tuesday, 19:45
Live on Sky Red Button

Match Odds: Iceland 4.216/5, Turkey 2.111/10, The Draw 3.45n/a

This is a definitive fixture for Iceland in assessing whether their sudden World Cup qualifying ascent, earning 17 points from ten games compared to four in eight in the Euro 2012 process, was the start of something, or if they will extinguish rapidly like predecessors in the overachiever role Estonia.

The odds highlight the scepticism of punters and the little evidence that exists supports that outlook. Iceland have won just one of their four encounters since missing out, none of which were against elite opposition. Turkey have a flair for away combat, winning five of their last six as visitors, while Iceland lost their two trickiest home dates even in their celebrated World Cup campaign.

Recommended Bet: Back Turkey to win @ 2.111/10

Norway v Italy
Tuesday, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports 1

Match Odds: Norway 5.39/2, Italy 1.845/6, The Draw 3.65n/a

With all due respect to Dunga and Neil Warnock, Italy have made by far the most impressive post-World Cup coaching appointment in triple Juventus scudetto winner Antonio Conte. He has already signalled that things will be different by ignoring Mario Balotelli, selecting Sassuolo forward Simone Zaza and, strangest of all, guiding the Azzurri to a victory in a friendly - 2-0 against the Netherlands.

That early success is enough to earn Italy this writer's backing against Norway, who are winless in six and have only defeated Moldova in their last dozen matches. That dreary run featured seven reverses and seven blanks, while five home fixtures have passed them by without triumph.

Recommended Bet: Back Italy to win @ 1.845/6