Nations League: England vs Italy Preview, 11th June 20:45
Nations League: England vs Italy Preview, 11th June 20:45

An exciting clash is brewing for Saturday night as Italy and England lock horns at the Molineaux Stadium.

England 

The English side are yet to secure their first 3 points in their Nations League Group 3 campaign. The Lions took an unexpected loss against Hungary in their first fixture, while a late penalty goal from Harry Kane saved them from missing out on all 3 and rather settling for just 1 point against Germany. Failure to deliver positive results would`ve certainly raised questions amongst the English fans over Gareth Southgate tactics. However, all doubts will have to be put aside is they are to take revenge on Italy in a Déjà vu clash just 11 month after the Italians beat England to the European crown. Although Southgate`s defensive approach has limited their attacking opportunities, the Englishman still has a strong attacking arsenal that should be used against an Italian side that has conceded in both of their Group games. Additionally, Harry Kane could be a headache for the Italians with the English striker sitting just 4 goals away from surpassing Wayne Rooney as the all-time goal scorer for the country. The Lions need a victory at Molineaux if they are to revive their hopes of reaching the Nations League Final in 2023 and although it won`t be easy, they certainly have enough quality in the squad to secure the 3 points. 

Italy

The Italian outfit now find themselves at the summit of League A`s Group 3 after the 2 opening games. Roberto Mancini`s men open their Nations League campaign after losing the Finallissima to Argentina with a draw against Germany, while a home display against Hungary ensured a narrow victory for the gli Azzurri. Failing to qualify for the World Cup will certainly give the side a boost of determination in reaching the Nations league final. Lorenzo Pellegrini wrote his name onto the scoresheet in both of the opening fixtures, while Nicolo Barella bagged himself a goal against Hungary and the 2 attackers could be backed as the danger men against the Lions. However, although sitting at the top of their group, Italy have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 5 games across all competitions and the victory against Hungary by just 1 goal is not necessarily a convincing one. Mancini has a number of gaps that require attention within his side and although England are yet to register a win, Italy themselves have not delivered convincing  performances to be all out favourites going into the game. Similarly to the opponents, Italy is capable of securing the 3 points but is likely to be in for a tough challenge at Molineaux. 

Verdict

The 2 sides are not too far from each other in terms of quality; however they are sitting at the complete opposite ends of the group table. England still has a strong side and a win on the home soil is a must if they are to recover their Nations league campaign. I believe that we are in for a tightly-contested clash, but the stakes for England are higher than for Mancini`s men and therefore am leaning more towards the Lions. 

BetOlimp Best Bets

England to win – 1.85

Both teams to score: yes – 2.08

Harry Kane to score anytime – 2.26

 

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