This week in the UEFA Nations League sees two heavyweights in the same group lock horns. Italy will be playing host to the Netherlands at the Bergamo. The match schedules for Wednesday with kickoff at 9:45 pm.
Both sides will be looking to put their goalless draws on Sunday behind them. Poland held Italy while the Netherlands played a goalless draw against Bosnia Herzegovina. It leaves a lot of space in Group A1 at this midway stage.
After succeeding from Ronald Koeman, Frank de Boer still awaits his first win with the first team following their draw on Sunday. De Boer started his role in charge with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Mexico in a friendly. The display four days later in Zenica did not leave much to be desired for this side.
The Oranje are currently on a three winless streak without any goals. Luuk de Jon came closest to breaking the curse, but a fantastic Ibrahim Sehic saves made the difference. The opening game of the Group A1 saw the Netherlands beat Italy 1-0.
Federico Chiesa was close to changing the scores last Sunday with several clear cut chances. Azzurri’s blunt attacking left many questions, especially following their impressive 6-0 win over Moldova six days earlier. Mancini currently has drawn in two matches and won one of their three matches in Group A1.
Italy vs. Netherlands Head to Head
Both sides have seven games against each other, with the Netherlands with one win while Italy with three wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Poland 0-0 Italy
Italy 6-0 Moldova
Netherlands 0-1 Italy
Italy 1-1 Bosnia Herzegovina
Italy 9-1 Armenia
Away
Bosnia & Herzegovina 0-0 Netherlands
Netherlands 0-1 Mexico
Netherlands 0-1 Italy
Northern Ireland 0-0 Netherlands
Netherlands 1-0 Italy
Italy Team News
Mancini made seven changes in the starting lineup in their last outing. The changes saw Federico Chiesa, Andrea Belotti, and Lorenzo Pellegrini coming on for the side. Ciro Immobile started on the bench while defender Georgio Chiellini is pushing for a recall. Stephan El Shaarawy is pushing for a start on the left-wing.
Netherlands Team News
After missing their last match against Bosnia due to a suspension, Memphis Depay is available for selection. He will likely lead the line alongside De Jong. Georginio Wijnaldum is the only midfielder to retain his place in the starting XI.
Prediction and Odds
Italy’s 18 unbeaten runs might come under compromise this Wednesday, but we expect any side’s win.
Italy Win
Both Teams to Score
Goals Over 2.5
