New Zealand vs Italy U20 Predictions - New Zealand set to beat Italy and advance to the semi-finals
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- New Zealand U20 have won both their matches and top Pool B.
- Italy must win to reach the semi-finals but face tough opposition.
- New Zealand tipped to cover the -16.5 handicap and advance.
New Zealand have won back-to-back matches in Pool B (Getty Images)
New Zealand vs Italy U20 Predictions
New Zealand have won both their 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship matches and beat Italy last year. Italy registered their first victory in Pool B last weekend but came up short against New Zealand in last year's tournament.
- New Zealand have won 4 of their last 7 fixtures.
- New Zealand have won 2 consecutive matches against Italy.
- Italy have lost 5 of their last 7 matches.
Head to Head
New Zealand have the advantage with two victories to none against Italy.
New Zealand U20 Form
New Zealand did enough to see off the challenge of Scotland in their second World Rugby U20 Championship match last weekend, winning 36-26 after leading 17-7 at the break.
Before that performance, the Junior All Blacks were awarded a victory in their opening match against Japan due to inclement weather after leading 38-21 after 68 minutes of play.
The Baby Blacks are first in Pool B with nine points after two rounds.
New Zealand have been solid so far, and will aim to close out their group stage campaign with a win over Italy to secure their place in this year's semi-finals.
Italy U20 Form
Italy secured their first victory at the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship last weekend, beating Japan 41-25 after leading 17-11 at half-time.
Before that result, the Azzurrini fell short in the opening match of the tournament, losing 38-32 to Scotland.
The Italian team are in second place in Pool B with seven points after two games.
Italy must win to book their place in the semi-final, as they are three points behind New Zealand, but they have been prone to inconsistent performances this year.
Team News
New Zealand
Cohen Norrie scored a brace against Scotland last weekend.
Johnny Falloon, Siale Pahulu, and Logan Williams contributed one try each.
Mika Muliaina slotted four conversions and a penalty in the match.
Forwards: Alani Fakava, Josh Findlay, Xavier Leota, Alexander Hewitt, Dane Johnston, James Moore, Henry Stuart, Ethan Webber, Max Fale, Johnny Falloon, Jake Frost, Kobe Brownlee, Micah Fale, Jake Hutchings, Patrick Mauga, Bradley Tocker, Caleb Woodley
Backs: Jackson Hughan, Boston Krone, Charlie Sinton, Cohen Norrie, Mika Muliaina, David Lewai, Siale Pahulu, Triumph Voice, Haki Wiseman, Lautasi Etuale, Oliver Guerin, Kele Lasaqa, Logan Williams
Italy
Nikolaj Varotto, Valerio Pelli, Ettore Dinarte, Riccardo Casarin, Giacomo Falchetto, and David Luisato each crossed the try-line against Japan last weekend.
Mattia Andretti kicked over four conversions and a penalty in the match.
Forwards: Christian Brasini, Emiliano Mastropasqua, Erik Meroi, Giacomo Messori, Luca Trevisan, Giorgio Nabil Bavaresco, Ettore Dinarte, Valerio Pelli, Simone Fardin, Christian Germanò, Enoch Opoku-Gyamfi, Fabio Salvanti, Marco Spreafichi, Carlo Antonio Bianchi, Antony Italo Miranda, Davide Sette, Jaheim Noel Wilson
Backs: Mattia Andretti, Nikolaj Varotto, Francesco Braga, Roberto Fasti, Riccardo Casarin, Luca De Novellis, Giacomo Falchetto, Edoardo Vitale, David Luisato, Luca Rossi, Alessio Scaramazza, Pietro Celi, Alessandro Ragusi
Verdict
New Zealand are in better overall form than Italy and are tipped to cover the -16.5 handicap in their final World Rugby U20 Championship Pool B match.
New Zealand -16.5
Handicap
@1.91 - 3 Units
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