UEFA Nations League A Championship Playoff-Netherlands VS Italy

 

 

Team News

Netherlands  

Matthijs de Ligt is also ruled out of the Nations League Finals after suffering a calf injury in training.

 

Italy

Alessandro Bastoni could miss out with flu.

 

Prediction

The UEFA Nations League Third Place Play-Off sees the Netherlands host Italy.

Netherlands were beaten by Croatia in extra time of the semi-finals. Donyell Malen opened the scoring in the 34th minute but two second half Croatia goals meant that Netherlands needed a 90+6 equaliser from Noa Lang to take the tie to extra time where they were downed by goals from Bruno Petkovic and Luka Modric.

Italy were beaten by Spain after going behind in the third minute, they fought back with Immobile equalising from the spot but a late Joselu goal sealed the Italian's fate.

These sides last met in the Nations League three years ago in a tie that ended in a 1-1 draw.

UEFA Nations League A Championship Playoff »Spain VS Italy

 

 

Team News

Spain

Robin Le Normand is set to make his first Spain appearance having switched allegiance from France to La Roja, and he should partner Aymeric Laporte at the back.

While he starred in the Champions League final at the weekend, Rodri is tipped to start here.

 

Italy

Champions League final playing quarter Federico Dimarco, Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi and Nicolo Barella are all expected to start for the Azzurri on Thursday.

Despite his inexperience on the international stage, Mateo Retegui is set to lead the line for Italy once more.

 

Prediction

Spain will look to bounce back from an indifferent start to Euro 2024 qualifying that has seen them win one and lose one of their opening two matches. They topped Group 2 with 11 points from six games, though Luis Enrique was the man in charge for these six games.

Italy, like Spain, also topped their group with 11 points, pipping Hungary to top spot in the final round of fixtures. And like Spain, the Azzurri have won one and lost one of their opening two Euro 2024 qualification matches.

After such a long season, this game is unlikely to be played at a high tempo, so a draw may be on the cards.