Italy vs North Macedonia: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :November 15, 2023 at 2:26 PM

Modified at :January 14, 2024 at 1:07 AM

The defending Champions Italy need a much needed win against the resilient Macedonian side in order to qualify for the UEFA Euro 2024.

The Azzurri take on the North Macedonia in the match day 9 of Group C UEFA Euro Qualifiers at Rome, Italy. The fans can’t wait to watch this much anticipated game. Italy needs to win one of the games in their remaining two match days. If they lose, they will not be able to qualify for the EURO 2024. This is probably a do-or-die matchup for them.

North Macedonia on the other hand, is known to cause upsets. Last time they two met at such crucial stage of qualifiers, Italy was beaten 1-0 and they failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. The defending champions will look to learn from their defensive mistakes and win this game. So let us take a look at all the information regarding this exciting match of football.

Kick-off

Saturday, 18th November 2023, 7:45 PM GMT; 01:15 AM IST

Location: Stadio Olimpico Tour

Form

Italy (in all competitions): W-D-W-W-L

North Macedonia (in all competitions): L-D-W-L-W

Players to watch for

Ciro Immobile – Italy

Ciro Immobile is a senior player in this young and dynamic Italian side. He is well-known for his precision finishing and capacity to take advantage of gaps in the opposition’s defence. This makes him a main man for the Italian national team. Immobile has received recognition for his goal-scoring at various levels, be it club or international. The coaching staff and fans rely on him to lift Italy into the Euro 2024 competition for sure.

Aleksandar Trajkovski – North Macedonia

Aleksandar Trajkovski is known for his technical proficiency and vision. His versatility enables him to perform well in a variety of midfield positions, thereby enhancing North Macedonia’s national team. Last time these two sides were at this important stage, he scored in stoppage time and eliminated Italy from FIFA World Cup competition. His importance has been established by his ability to find the net and direct midfield action.

Match facts

Last time these two teams faced each other in a do or die qualification situation, North Macedonia beat Italy 1-0 in stoppage time.
Luciano Spalletti’s first match as Italy’s manager, saw the teams draw. Bardhi’s late free kick gave North Macedonia a crucial point.
The two teams have been almost equal when they get head-to-head with both teams drawing match twice and winning once each.

Injury and team news

Due to the injuries that have sidelined Davide Calabria, Alex Meret, and Rafael Toloi, as well as the loss of Manuel Locatelli, Italy is facing significant challenges in their vital Euro 2024 qualifiers. Italy is left with very few options. This is probably a do or die situation for Italy if they want to qualify for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.

In the meantime, North Macedonia is dealing with the setback of its key left-back, Ezgjan Alioski. Italy will have to adjust their team, and North Macedonia will need to make up for Alioski’s absence by possibly changing their defensive approach for the next qualifiers. This will be a key to watch as to how both teams adjust dealing with such setbacks!

Head-to-head

Matches: 4

Italy: 1

North Macedonia: 1

Draws: 2

Predicted lineup for Italy vs North Macedonia

Italy Predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Cristante, Colpani; Politano, Immobile, Frattesi

North Macedonia Predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Ashkovski, Musliu, Zaykov, Alioski; Bardhi, Ademi, Elmas; Trajkovski, Nestorovski, Miovski

Match prediction for Italy vs North Macedonia

Last time Italy’s chances to qualify for a major tournament like FIFA World Cup was at stake, they lost to North Macedonia in the injury time winner by Trajkovski. The Macedonians come again at such a crucial time to haunt the Azzurri. But it is to be kept in mind that Italy is playing at their home tonight with a much dynamic and younger side. They have best in class players in any position of the pitch. While Italy looks stronger this time to clinch the much-needed win, North Macedonia may cause an upset and repeat the history.

Prediction: Italy 3:1 North Macedonia

Telecast

India: Sony Sports Network, Jio TV

UK: Channel 4, Viaplay Sports

USA: Fox Sports

Nigeria: FIFA+

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