Italy put on their big boys’ boots in their final preparations for the Euros 2021 when they take on the Czech Republic this week. The match schedules for Friday at Bologna, with kickoff at 9:45 pm.
Azzuri has one final match before the start of the warm-up for next summer’s fixture. The side comes off a thrashing of San Marino in their last outing. On the other hand, Czech Republic is underdogs for next week’s Euros.
Roberto Mancini recently released the 26-man squad for the Euros with several talking points. PSG star Moise Kean was among the missing figures leading the Azzuri attack. Other missing faces from the camp included Gianluca Mancini, Atalanta midfielder Matteo Pessina and Napoli winger Matteo Politano.
Furthermore, the Azzuri are in an interesting Group A clash with Switzerland, Turkey, Wales, and Wales in the coming weeks. The first clash starts at the Stadio Olimpico against Turkey next week.
It has been a good start for former Manchester City boos, Mancini, since taking over in 2018. Moreover, he currently boasts of the highest winning rate than his predecessors.
On the other hand, the Czech enter their first friendly match since the end of the 2020-21 season. The side has to wait till June 14 to kick off their Euros at Hampden Park with a clash against Scotland. Nevertheless, there is much going for the Czech side looking to break Italy’s unbeaten record.
Italy vs. Czech Republic Head to Head
Both sides have three games against each other, with Italy taking two wins while the Czech without a win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Italy 7-0 San Marino
- Lithuania 0-2 Italy
- Bulgaria 0-2 Italy
- Italy 2-0 Nothern Ireland
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
Away
- Wales 1-0 Czech Republic
- Czech Republic 1-1 Belgium
- Estonia 2-6 Czech Republic
- Czech Republic 2-0 Slovakia
- Czech Republic 1-0 Israel
Italy Team News
Mancini opted for a different starting lineup in their last outing against San Marino. However, we expect some changes to the starting XI. Stefano Sensi will shake off an adductor problem this week to feature in the midfield. Center back Francesco Acerbi remains out with sprained ligaments.
Czech Republic Team News
Attacker Patrick Schick faced the red card last time out against Wales but will nod this time. Captain Vladimir Darida will start in the middle of the park. The only injury contention is Slavia Praha defender Lukas Provod.
Prediction and Odds
Italy has little going for them after securing their place in the competition, similar to their opponents.
- Correct Score: 1-1
- Draw
- Goals Under 3.5
