New Japan v Italy: Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips - Rugby Union 2024
| Timetable | 06:05 GMT - 21st JULY 24 |
| Prediction | Italy to win |
| Odds | @1.33 |
| Bookmaker | GentlemanJim Sport |
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The penultimate match of the 2024 Summer Internationals sees Japan welcome Italy to the Sapporo Dome in Sapporo on the 21st of July. It has a kick-off time of 06:05 GMT, so only the true rugby fanatics will wake up for this one. You can bet your bottom dollar that I will be in front of the TV watching this one, coffee in hand.
England's Christopher Ridley is the man with the whistle for this one, while his officiating team will be composed of three Australians; Nic Berry, George Myers, and Brett Cronan. The latter is the man in charge of the TMO.
Japan have lost the two matches that they have played this summer, while Italy lost to Samoa and beat Tonga. Will Italy condemn Japan to a third defeat on the bounce? Read my prediction below to find out my views on how this match is likely to play out.
💯 Japan v Italy Betting Odds Summer Internationals
You should always bet at top rugby bookmakers as this is how you make sure that you get the best bang for your buck. With this in mind, below I have given you five quality betting sites that regularly offer competitive odds, British rugby bettors. I have also supplied you with the odds that they are offering for two markets that I regularly like to look at.
🥇 Japan v Italy Winner Odds
Every team has the one other team that they just seem to love playing against, and Japan is that team for the Italians. They have met a total of nine times and the Italians have won seven times compared to two wins for the Japanese. With such a head-to-head record, it will come as little surprise to see that the bookmakers have Italy as the favourites to win this match. Check out the match winner odds in the table below:
| Team |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 3.14 | 3.50 | 3.64 | 3.45 | 3.66 |
| Draw | 16.10 | 23.00 | 26.00 | 23.00 | 21.00 |
| Italy | 1.30 | 1.33 | 1.32 | 1.32 | 1.30 |
🏮 Japan v Italy Asian Handicap Odds
With many matches happening this weekend, the odds for the match winner have not been worth looking at due to the perceived gulf in class between the two teams. Portugal and Georgia should both lose comfortably to South Africa and Australia, for example. However, the odds are a little more in our favour for this match since the Japanese are expected to at least give Italy a game.
Nevertheless, you still might want to give one of the teams a points advantage or disadvantage to try and turn the odds more in your favour. For instance, you might want to hand the Italians a handicap of (TBA) to make their odds more enticing. If Asian Handicap betting is your thing, then you can check out the latest Asian handicap betting odds in the table below:
| Asian Handicap Betting | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan (+7.5) | myriadplay-sports [1.78]* | 1.95 | 2.02 | 1.79 | 1.85 |
| Italy (-7.5) | myriadplay-sports [1.74]* | 1.80 | 1.74 | 1.80 | 1.80 |
n.b. The odds are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change.
🔍 Japan v Italy Winner Prediction
Italy used to be the whipping boys of world rugby, but in the last Six Nations, they showed us a glimpse of what the future could be like for Italian rugby. They managed to beat Scotland and Wales and drew with France, giving them their best ever Six Nations finish. The likes of Ange Capuozzo, Juan Ignacio Brex, and Michele Lamaro are all quality players who will only get better.
Japan have some exciting young players too, but most of their squad ply their trade in Japan. They looked like they were on for big things when they beat South Africa in the 2015 World Cup, but nothing ever really materialised. If they are going to move up in the rugby world, they will need to branch out into the better leagues.
Let us now take a look at some important factors that could end up deciding which way this game goes.
- History: Italy have a really good record against Japan, having won seven out of the nine matches that they have played. This gives them a win percentage of 77.78%. Everything from the history books is pointing towards yet another win for the Italians.
- World Rankings: Italy are currently occupying the 9th spot in the rankings with 77.99 points to their name, while Japan are sitting in 12th position with 74.04 points. These rankings tell us that Italy have been playing slightly better over the last year, so will be favoured to win.
- Home Advantage: The match will take place at the Sapporo Dome in Sapporo, so the majority of fans in attendance will be backing Japan to win. However, Italy have not had any issues winning in Japan in the past, so the one-sided crowd will not have not much of an impact on them.
- Weather: The weather in Sapporo on Sunday will be overcast and warm but, most importantly, it does not look like there will be any rain during the match. Both teams like to try and play attractive running rugby, so I would say that the honours are even when it comes to the weather forecast.
- Gameplay: Italy and Japan both like to try and play with the ball in hand as much as possible, which makes them such fun teams to watch - although their fans would probably prefer that they play more conservatively and win more games. They will both look to pop the pill about at pace, and the team that copes the best when their opponents are coming at them hard will win the game. I think that Italy's 6 Nations experience will see them home here.
I think that there could be plenty of scoring opportunities for both teams, but Italy have more big-game experience as they play against the best teams in Europe each year. They have gotten better at soaking up pressure, while I can see Japan's defensive line breaking when a sea of blue attacks at pace. I think Italy will win this game by around 12 points.
My Uruguay vs Argentina match winner prediction: Argentina to win!
✔️ Japan v Italy Betting Tips
In this section of my Japan vs Italy prediction, I am going to give you two top betting tips. I am going to chuck in a third for good measure, and this is to always make sure that you gamble responsibly. Set up a budget with an amount that you can afford to potentially lose and do not stray from it.
1️⃣Match Winner: Italy to Win
Italy seem to have the beating of Japan, while the majority of their players play against top players regularly in the top leagues of Europe. This head-to-head record, big game experience, and the fact that I think Italy have better players than Japan all point towards a win for the Azzurri. The odds are not too shabby either.
If you also think that the Italians will beat Japan yet again, then Gentleman Jim are currently offering odds of 1.33.
2️⃣ Asian Handicap Winner: Italy (-7.5)
Want to make things a little more interesting? If yes, then you can consider giving Italy a points deficit ahead of kick-off to increase their odds a bit. If you were to give the Italians a -7.5 point deficit then you would need them to win the match by at least 8 points. As you can see from my prediction above, I am backing Italy to go on and win this match by 12 points, so this would end up being a winning Asian handicap bet if I am correct.
If you would like to give Italy a -7.5 points handicap, then No Bonus Sports are currently offering odds of 1.80.
🎁 Japan v Italy Free Bets and Rugby Betting Promotions
In the following table, you can find the current best rugby betting promotions that British rugby bettors can get their hands on. Those who want to find out more about any of these bookies can do so by checking out our in-depth bookmaker reviews page.
Match Promotions
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18+ New customer only. Place a minimum £25 bet on any selection with minimum odds of evens (2.0) and receive a £10 free bet upon bet settlement. Free bet expires after 7 days. Free bet is available once. | T&C apply. | GambleAware®: Gambling Help & Gambling Addiction - www.gambleaware.org
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📰 Summer Internationals News for Japan v Italy on X
Before you go ahead and put your hard-earned money on this Japan vs Italy match, I suggest that you check out the latest news from both camps. You can do that by checking out the X feeds below:
🌸 Japan News
🛵 Italy Updates
📺 Previous Japan v Italy Highlights
These two teams played a match against each other last year, and it was a fascinating encounter with plenty of points. You can relive what happened by checking out the match highlights below:
⚡ Japan v Italy Prediction Overview
1️⃣When Will Japan vs Italy Kick Off?
This Japan vs Italy match will kick off at 06:05 GMT on the 21st of July.
2️⃣Where Will Japan vs Italy be Played?
This Japan vs Italy match will be played at the Sapporo Dome.
3️⃣Who is My Japan vs Italy Winner?
Japan will play some attractive rugby, but their record against the Italians is poor. For me, the Italian squad has more talent than their counterparts, while they have much more big game experience. All this leads me to think that Italy will come out on top.
4️⃣What Are Some Japan vs Italy Betting Tips?
- Asian Handicap Betting Tip: Italy to Win -7.5 points at odds of 1.80
- Match Winner: Italy to win at odds of 1.33
5️⃣Can I Use Free Bets for Japan vs Italy?
Yes, there will be many different free bets that you can use on this Japan vs Italy game. I have given you some of the best ones in the "Rugby Betting Promotions" section above. Before betting on any sports event, make sure that you are doing so responsibly.
✒️ Sheldon Muchmore - iGaming and Sports Betting Enthusiast
This Japan vs Italy prediction was written by Sheldon Muchmore.
Sheldon is a sports tipster and online casino writer from the UK who has a passion for a variety of sports, especially football, rugby, and cricket. He has been involved in the sports betting industry for many years now, and is always eager to provide successful predictions. He is also a dab hand when it comes to the iGaming sector as he has written many casino and slot game reviews.
