Prediction: England vs Italy

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

In a repeat of last summer’s European Championships final, England will welcome Italy to Wolves’ Molineux Stadium on Saturday night.

England

Starting with the hosts, while England might have eventually snatched a last-gasp point away at Germany earlier in the week, it doesn’t cover what has been a downbeat start for Gareth Southgate’s squad. Managing to salvage a 1-1 draw in Munich, their first point since opening this year’s Nations League campaign, the Three Lions are really seeking some stability. Watching their extended nine-match unbeaten run come to an abrupt end after a shock 1-0 loss away at Hungary last weekend, the one-time Aston Villa defender does find some growing pressure on his shoulders. Although England might have cruised their way to this year’s World Cup finals out in Qatar, Saturday’s hosts do appear to be showing some signs of fatigue. Looking to pick up their first Nations League victory at the third attempt here, Southgate will be calling on Harry Kane to spearhead their charge. Converting from the spot late on against Germany a few days ago, the Tottenham striker now sits just three goals away from equalling Wayne Rooney’s all-time record.

Team News

Both making an immediate impact after coming off the bench against Germany in midweek, Jarrod Bowen and Jack Grealish will be hoping for a recall here.

Likewise, left as an unused sub out in Munich, Chelsea’s Reece James could be set for a start at right-back on Saturday night.

Italy

As for the visitors, managing to make a much-welcomed return to winning ways earlier in the week at home against Hungary, Italy will be desperate to build off of that result here. However, while the Azzurri might have left England heartbroken at Wembley 12 months ago as they lifted their second European Championship title following a nail-biting penalty shoot-out, Roberto Mancini’s men have really come crashing back down to earth. Hit with what will long be remembered as an infamous 1-0 defeat at home against North Macedonia back on March 24 as they missed out on a spot at this year’s World Cup finals, Italy have won just a pair of their last seven matchups across all formats. With their recent issues also highlighted by a 3-0 drumming at the hands of south American giants Argentina as they missed out on lifting the Finalissima title earlier in the month, Mancini’s squad could be in for a tough test here.

Team News

Despite still dealing with a fractured finger, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma should once again start between the sticks here.

Finding the net in back-to-back Nations League matchups, Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini should partner club teammate Bryan Cristante on Saturday night.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off at Wembley 12 months ago in the European Championships final, Italy came out on top thanks to a nail-biting penalty shootout.
• However, Saturday’s guests have managed to win just a pair of their last seven matchups across all formats.
• Likewise, still looking for their first Nations League victory, England have failed to win back-to-back matchups for the first time since September 2018.
• Each of the last three meetings between Saturday’s opponents have seen under 2.5 goals after 90 minutes.
• Harry Kane’s penalty against Germany in midweek means he is just three goals away from equalling Wayne Rooney’s all-time record.

Conclusion

While England might be desperate to gain some revenge after their heartbreak at Wembley last summer, Saturday’s hosts are in the midst of a recent blip. Despite managing to salvage a late point away at Germany from the penalty spot in midweek, Southgate’s side are still searching for their first Nations League victory. Opening this year’s tournament with a shock 1-0 loss away at Hungary, the Three Lions have now failed to win back-to-back matchups for the first time since September 2018. Likewise, while Italy might have made a much-needed return to winning ways a few days ago, the European champions are enduring their own struggles. Shockingly missing out on a spot at this year’s World Cup finals after a 1-0 loss at home against North Macedonia back in March, we could be in for a low-scoring affair here. With Saturday’s opponents seeing each of their last three meetings finish with 2.5 goals after 90 minutes, we’re backing a similar outcome.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet