Italy and Holland have been major players on the European and world football stages for a long time, and they have been drawn in the same UEFA Nations League qualification group
The two teams will play Monday on Match Day 2, but both need to start out their campaigns with wins Friday.
Italy is a big favorite against Bosnia & Herzegovina, while the Netherlands will take on lighthanded Poland.
The big news for Poland is that Robert Lewandowski, who is a lock for Player of the Year if it is given this season, will miss out after leading Bayern Munich to the Champions League title. While Netherlands will be missing some players, the Orange are by far the better squad, and maybe one of the favorites to win the EURO 2021 and Nations League after they finished second last year in the latter.
I expect both Italy and the Netherlands to win and set up a big contest Monday.
Check Fubo.tv for channel listings
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE QUALIFICATION MATCH DAY 1
LEAGUE A
Group 1
Italy (-286) vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina (+850), draw (+400), 2:45 p.m. EDT (ESPN+, TUDNxtra, and Fubo.tv)
Netherlands (-205) vs. Poland (+550), draw (+335), 2:45 p.m. EDT (ESPN+, TUDNxtra, and Fubo.tv)
THE PICKS:
Italy -1.25 Asian handicap (-125)
Over 2.5 goals for Italy (+145)
Netherlands -1 Asian handicap (-115)
Over 2.5 goals Netherlands/Poland (-117)