The defending champions will make the long trip to Skopje for North Macedonia vs Italy. After missing out on the World Cup, Italy are focused on doing well in other international competitions. The Azzurri had the Nations League heartache in the most recent round of international games. However, with their new head coach, Italy will hope for a better future ahead. The Scudetto winner, Luciano Spalletti will give Italy a new direction. The Azzurri fans have been longing to see exciting football from their team.
Italy lost their first game of the qualifiers to England, who then went on an unbeaten run and sat at the top of the table. The Azzurri got a win against Malta, but are out of the first two spots in the Group C. However, they managed to get a podium finish in the Nations League after a close 3-2 victory over the Netherlands. The Azzurri lost to Spain in the semi-finals, but the third spot was the parting away gift from Mancini.
North Macedonia vs Italy: team news, tactics, and prediction
The hosts have been a surprise package in recent international games, as they beat Malta and Faroe Islands. However, Blagoja Milevski’s side got a reality check after suffering a bitter loss to Ukraine. They were cruising with a two-goal lead when Ukraine managed to orchestrate a comeback to make it 3-2. But a 7-0 loss to England at Old Trafford shattered their dreams, and they have to win their other games to stand a chance in qualifying.
The Azzurri will have to adapt to the absence of Bonucci, Jorginho, Verratti, and Scamacca. But their creative midfield of Tonali, Barella, and Frattesi should be exciting to watch under Spalletti.
Prediction
Italy should get away with a win here considering their quality in the team. However, North Macedonia could surprise them in their backyard.
North Macedonia 1-2 Italy.
