Two European powerhouses go head to head in their opening fixture of the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League on Saturday when Italy welcome Germany to Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna. The showdown is scheduled to kickoff at 21:45 EAT.
The two have been drawn together with England and Hungary in Group 3 of League A and thus, a quick start is very crucial for both sides. A draw could be okay for both, although a win is much important and both will go for it.
After winning the Euro 2020 Italy have had a hard time with the side failing to qualify for the World Cup finals twice in a row before the humbling defeat in the Finalissima against Argentina on Wednesday. They also missed out on the final of the Nations League last year, following a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the semifinals.
The Azzurri will now be looking to recover in this competition and they will be looking to go a step further to the finals this time around. But, they need a good start here against an equally strong side, Germany, who they have failed to beat in their last four meetings. But, when playing at home Italy have not lost to the Germans in their last their last three encounters and will be looking to build on that.
Germany, meanwhile, managed to book a spot in the coming 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar after finishing at the top of Group J with 27 points from 10 matches. They will be looking to build on that as they look to qualify for the Nations League finals after Groups campaign.
Die Mannschaft head into the match in good form having gone unbeaten in their last nine games across all competitions, claiming eight victories and a draw in the run. The draw came in their last fixture against Netherlands with the game ending 1-1.
They will therefore be more confident on Saturday, and they surely do possess enough quality to hurt the Azzurri here. Nonetheless, this will be a close encounter that could end in a share of the spoils.
Italy vs Germany head to head
Both sides have met in 10 encounters since 1996 with Italy claiming four victories while Germany have claimed two victories and there have been four draws.
- Italy 0-0 Germany 15/11/19
- Germany 6-5 Italy 02/07/16 (AP)
- Germany 4-1 Italy 29/03/16
- Italy 1-1 Germany 15/11/13
- Germany 1-2 Italy 28/06/12
Home
- Italy 0-3 Argentina
- Turkey 2-3 Italy
- Italy 0-1 North Macedonia
- Northern Ireland 0-0 Italy
- Italy 1-1 Switzerland
Away
- Netherlands 1-1 Germany
- Germany 2-0 Israel
- Armenia 1-4 Germany
- Germany 9-0 Liechtenstein
- North Macedonia 0-4 Germany
Italy team news
Italy will be without Federico Chiesa, Domenico Berardi, Marco Veratti and Nicolo Zaniolo due to injury, while Giorgio Chiellini’s time with the Azzurri is now over.
Germany team news
Germany have a fully-fit squad, although Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Julian Draxler are not involved.
Prediction and odds
- Draw
- Germany win
- Goals under 2.5
