The Azzurri aim to secure a top-two position in the table with Italy vs North Macedonia in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers. They have suffered only their second defeat in the qualifying campaign against England, where Gianluca Scamacca’s early goal was assisted by Giovanni Di Lorenzo. But was overshadowed by England’s fine comeback, led by Harry Kane’s brace and Marcus Rashford’s goal.
A win against North Macedonia in this match would give Italy a better position, requiring only a draw in their second encounter against Ukraine to qualify for Euro 2024. The Italians have the tiebreaker due to their previous 2-1 win over Ukraine in September. However, a loss to North Macedonia would force the Azzurri into a must-win situation and a virtual playoff match against Ukraine.
Italy vs North Macedonia: team news, tactics, and prediction
Heading into the match with good form, Italy has lost only once in their last five games. They have secured three wins. Their home record is strong, winning four of their last five games. But, they face the challenge of changing their surprising win less record against North Macedonia at home. They have scored only once while conceding twice. Also, the absence of Alessandro Bastoni and Ciro Immobile adds to the challenges for coach Luciano Spalletti. They left the camp due to a muscle injury respectively.
North Macedonia comes into the game having lost four of their last six away games in European qualifiers. Also, could not score in three of those matches. Despite being unbeaten in their last three meetings against Italy, with two 1-1 draws, they face a tough challenge against the Azzurri.
Prediction
Both teams have scored five times each in their four previous encounters. Yet, considering Italy’s impressive home record in European qualifiers, the Azzurri should take all three points tonight.
Italy 3-1 North Macedonia.
