International Friendly: Italy vs Venezuela: Predicted line-up, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :March 19, 2024 at 2:39 PM

Modified at :March 19, 2024 at 2:39 PM

Another exciting International friendly clash on the horizon

Italy look to warm up and figure out their winning combination in preparation to Euro 2024 in the upcoming international window. Under Serie A winning manager Luciano Spalletti, the Azziurri have certainly looked more exciting that under his predecessor, but have failed to deliver against the big teams, having failed to beat England twice and drawing against Ukraine away in their European qualifiers.

Venezuela meanwhile have been pretty impressive under head coach Fernando Batista, currently at 4th in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers above the likes of Brazil and Chile. The La Vinotinto drew both of their games against Peru and Ecuador in the last international window. Despite their position on the table, the team have won just 1 out of their last 4 games.

Kick-Off:

Friday; 22nd March 2024, 2:30 AM IST

Location: Chase Stadium, Florida, USA

Form:

Italy (all-competitions and friendlies): D-W-L-W-W

Venezuela (all-competitions and friendlies): D-D-W-D-W

Players to watch:

Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)

Inter Milan are the runaway Serie A leader having conceded just 14 goals in 29 matches, and Alessandro Bastoni has been at the heart of the defensive masterclass. Alongside being rock solid at the back with good ariel abilities and exceptional positioning, the 24-year-old has also been lauded for his creativity and passing from the heart of the defense.

In his last match against Napoli, Bastoni set up Matteo Darmian’s goal, becoming the only defender in the Serie A to have set up atleast 2 goals in each of the last 4 league campaigns. His defensive mastery would be leading an already solid Italian defensive unit.

Salomon Rondon (Pachuca)

Salomon Rondon has been a veteran of the Venezuelan game. At 34, the former West Brom striker is still going strong in the Mexican league, having scored 7 goals in 11 games. Though at the tail end of his career, Rondon is still a key man for the team, having scored a whopping 41 goals for the national team.

Match Facts:

Italy are playing in the USA after 19 years.

Injury and team news:

Italy will be missing Lazio marksman Ciro Immobile, who was shockingly dropped from the national squad. Domenico Berardi will also be missing the international window through injury.

On the other hand, the Azziurri have called up 3 fresh faces- Hellas Verona’s Michael Folorunsho, Torino’s Raoul Bellanova and Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca. Francesco Acerbi pulled out of the squad in a stand against racist remarks, being replaced by Gianluca Mancini.

Meanwhile, the biggest miss for Venezuela would be Girona’s Yangel Herrera, who is out with injury. Yeferson Soteldo would be another big miss.

Predicted lineup:

Italy predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Donnarumma (GK); Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Scalvini, Udogie; Jorginho, Barella, Pellegrini; Chiesa, Raspadori, Zaniolo

Venezuela predicted lineup (4-4-2):

Romo (GK); Navarro, Osorio, Angel, Gonzalez; Savarino, Casseres, Rincon, Murillo; Rondon, Bolivar

Match prediction:

Italy are nailed on favourites to win the tie, both looking at the teams and recent form. The Italians have too much firepower against a Venezuelan side missing key stars.

Prediction: Italy 2-0 Venezuela

Live telecast in India:

India: Fancode

USA: Fox Deportes

UK: Sky Sports, TNT Sports

Nigeria: Not Telecast

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