England is looking to finally earn their qualification in the Euro 2024, when they go against Italy, who are already desperate for wins in the contest. These two teams are just next to each other in Group C, but England has a better chance of qualification right now. They are at the top of the standings with 13 points, while Italy sits at the second with 10 points. England and Italy are two of the most powerful nations when it comes to football, considering their talents. However, on their last seven matches against each other, England only won once. Italy on the other hand conceded more than one goal only twice in their last 12 matches across all contests. This meeting is on October 18, 2023, at 2:45 AM (GMT+8).
England
England head coach Southgate promised to keep some of his established internationals in bubble wrap as fringe players tested their mettle against Australia. The Three Lions struggled to penetrate the Socceroos backline, but with 12 minutes left in the second half, Ollie Watkins clinched the win at the back stick. The Three Lions now have the chance to seal Euro 2024 qualification with two games to spare. Ukraine may have broken England’s 100% record on matchday five in Group C, but with 13 points, the hosts need only defeat Italy on Tuesday to ensure a top-two finish. Even a draw would suffice if Ukraine cannot beat Malta. The Three Lions have another two bites at the cherry in showdowns with Malta and North Macedonia next month, and they are on a magnificent 12-game winning streak in Euros qualifiers at home, keeping clean sheets in 10 of those contests.
Bukayo Saka is unavailable here, following his hamstring injury, but they are fortunate that Declan Rice is coming back. Additionally, Bellingham, Kane, Foden, Pickford, and Walker are also returning for the XI, along with Stones, who is also returning.
Italy
Italy, despite an illegal betting scandal, managed to secure a 4-0 victory over the Maltese on Saturday, securing a game in hand on all sides below them. Giacomo Bonaventura, the oldest player to score his first Azzurri goal, scored the opening goal, followed by Domenico Berardi and Davide Frattesi. The victory has the champions in second place again, despite dropping points in the section last month. Italy and Ukraine are only separated by head-to-head results, and their top-two chances cannot be decided before the end of the month. Italy’s recent World Cup qualifying losses in North Macedonia and England’s Euros final win in Naples have left them with few fond memories of their recent playoff exploits.
Premier League players Sandro Tonali, Nicolo Zaniolo, and Nicolo Fagioli withdrew from Italy’s camp due to gambling allegations. Fagioli’s clubmate Federico Chiesa is also under investigation. Sassuolo stalwart Berardi should return to the right-wing after Malta’s impressive display. Giovanni Di Lorenzo should return at right-back.
Prediction:
England (1.5)
Odds: -0.81
Ready to play?
You may place your bets for the Euro Qualifiers match between England and Italy at Nova88, Asia’s largest and most trusted Online Casino Malaysia. Join and play now!
