Italy-England is the fifth Nations League match of the season on Friday at 20:45.
ITALIA – ENGLAND
Dream Final Four or relegation bogey? With 180 minutes to go in the group stage, Roberto Mancini’s Italy Nations League could go one of two ways. Everything will depend on the outcome of the last matches against England and Hungary: between San Siro and Budapest the destiny of the Azzurri will be decided, called to a complicated reconstruction after the resounding failure to qualify – the second in a row after that of 2018 – for the next World Cup, scheduled in Qatar between November and December. The adventure of the reigning European champions in this edition of the Nations League seemed to start off on the right foot, especially if we consider what the premises were: defeat against North Macedonia in the world play-offs and a heavy 3-0 against Argentina in the World Super Cup played in London.
In the first three matches, Italy had not demerit, snatching two draws with Germany (1-1) and England (0-0) and narrowly beating Hungary (2-1) in Cesena. But before leaving for the ‘holidays’ here is the gigantic step backwards: Donnarumma and his team-mates literally collapsed at Borussia Park in Monchengladbach in the return match against the Germans, who for the first time got the better of the Azzurri national team in the ninety minutes in an official match. And what a defeat: a 5-2 defeat that will inevitably remain an indelible stain, in light of the rivalry between the two selections. Since Mancini was appointed selector, then, he had never conceded so many goals. June had also ended in an unbelievable embarrassment for Gareth Southgate’s England, who were overwhelmed 4-0 at Wembley by Hungary and showered with boos from their fans. The English lie in last place with only two points, the result of draws against Germany and Italy. Avoiding relegation will be tricky: a win in Milan against the Azzurri is mandatory to keep their hopes up.
The latest line-up news
Mancini
The news coming out of the Coverciano retreat tells of the possibility of a change of module by Mancini, who is inclined to switch from the tried and tested 4-3-3 to 3-5-2. As in June, the Azzurri coach has called up several new players (Vicario, Provedel and Mazzocchi), confirmed several (Gnonto, Pobega, Gatti, Zerbin and Cancellieri) and brought back the likes of Grifo and Immobile. Nothing to do instead for Tonali, who is struggling with a fatigue. Should the tactical change be confirmed, the defensive trio should consist of Toloi, Bonucci and Bastoni, while in midfield it will be the turn of Barella, Jorginho and Pobega. On the flanks Di Lorenzo and Emerson Palmieri, while the attack will be composed of Immobile and Raspadori.
On the other side, Southgate will limit the experiments. Behind Kane will be Sterling, Mount and one of Grealish or Saka, with Ward-Prowse, Phillips and Rice in the middle. At the back, a possible chance for Milan player Tomori.
The Prediction
The World Cup is approaching and England, among the likely protagonists after their second place at the European Championships, cannot make any more false steps. We are likely to see a different performance from the drab and inadequate ones the Three Lions’ national team put in last June. The differences are vast with a selection grappling with a difficult generational change like Italy, and should emerge in the San Siro challenge, a sort of play-off to avoid the shame of a humiliating relegation to Lega B. Watch out, however, for the pride of Mancini’s boys, eager to redeem the German debacle. Compared to the first leg, both are likely to score at least one goal each in a challenge in which England should avoid defeat. A draw cannot be ruled out.
The Italy-England line-ups
- ITALIA (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Toloi, Bonucci, Bastoni; Di Lorenzo, Barella, Jorginho, Pobega, Emerson Palmieri; Immobile, Raspadori.
- INGHILTERRA (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; James, Tomori, Maguire, Trippier; Ward-Prowse, Rice; Sterling, Mount, Grealish; Kane.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1