23rd March 2023 – 20:45, Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples
Italy and England will meet in the opening round of the EURO 2024 Qualifiers on Thursday evening. Both teams aim for a successful campaign, and they will try to secure a positive result in this clash.
Italy Preview & Team News
Italy will be looking for an improved result here following the 2-0 International Friendlies defeat in their last game at the hands of Austria. However, that game was played in November 2022, and now the Azzurri seek a new beginning after missing the World Cup. Roberto Mancini’s Italy has scored eight times in their prior six outings. The number of goals that have been scored against them in those games stands at 8. Roberto Mancini has called up three uncapped players to the Italy squad, with Wladamir Falcone, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Mateo Retegui all hoping to feature in the upcoming fixtures. The return of Federico Chiesa from injury will be key, but Ciro Immobile and Federico Dimarco are still sidelined.
England Preview & Team News
Since a losing effort in their last game against France in WC action, England and their fans will hope to get a better result this time. The Three Lions finished their World Cup journey in the quarter-finals, and they want a successful start here. In as many as 5 of the previous six games involving England, three or more goals have been struck. The overall average goals scored per game in that spell is 3.83, with the number of goals averaged by England equalling 2.67. However, we’ll just have to find out if that pattern might be replicated in this next match. With a fully healthy squad available to choose from, the England boss Gareth Southgate doesn’t have any fitness concerns at all before this clash. Gareth Southgate is likely to stick with a tried and tested formula on Thursday and will be able to welcome Reece James and Ben Chilwell back from injury. Ivan Toney has received a call-up but is unlikely to start, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi also named in the squad.
Full-Time Winner Odds & Prediction
Italy must show its strength at home and with the support of a full stadium. In the first match in a difficult away game, England will try to shake the hosts with counterattacks. There will be a lot of tactical outwitting of both coaches, and the prediction for this match is a draw.
Goals Market Prediction
Both teams have talented offenses, and we expect the hosts to attack and forget about the disappointment of missing the World Cup. Therefore, we think neither team will keep a clean sheet in this encounter.
Italy vs England
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