Prediction: Italy U21 vs Norway U21

Verdict: Italy win

Best odds: 10/17

Bookmaker: BetUS

Italy and Norway are set to go head to head in the final round of the group stage of the ongoing UEFA Euro Under-21 tournament on Wednesday evening at the Cluj Arena. The match has competitive significance only for Italy, with Norway already confirmed to return home at the final whistle. The Azzurri must at least replicate any result Switzerland may earn against France to progress, but a victory would obviously be the safest way to achieve that goal.

Italy

Italy experienced a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to France in their first match of Euro 2023, where a potential last-minute equalizer was not awarded due to the absence of goal-line technology. However, they quickly recovered and returned to winning ways in their next match against Switzerland.

The young Azzurri swiftly took a two-goal lead against their neighbors, with early goals from Lorenzo Pirola and Wilfried Gnonto. Fabiano Parisi added to the scoreline with a goal in first-half stoppage time, seemingly securing a victory for Italy. However, a spirited comeback from Switzerland narrowed the gap to a single goal in the 52nd minute. Both teams had several chances throughout the rest of the match, but Italy held on to claim a 3-2 victory.

With this win, Italy leveled the points with Switzerland in Group D. France is expected to top the group, while Norway remains at the bottom. Italy now only needs to match Switzerland’s result in order to advance based on a better head-to-head record.

Having reached the final of the Euros in 2013 and experiencing various levels of success in subsequent tournaments, Italy aims to make it to the final in Batumi this summer. With a talented squad and an impressive qualifying campaign of seven wins and three draws, coach Paolo Nicolato is expected to lead the team to success.

After the recent achievement of the Under-20 team reaching the World Cup final and three Serie A clubs narrowly missing out on UEFA club competition titles, winning the Euros would be celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout Italy. However, the immediate challenge for Nicolato’s team is to overcome Norway in their upcoming match.

Team News

Italy are likely to stick with their 3-5-2 formation for the upcoming match. Raoul Bellanova, who was named UEFA’s Player of the Match in their previous game for his assist, is expected to continue as the right wing-back. On the left flank, either Fabiano Parisi or Destiny Udogie, who is set to join Tottenham Hotspur, will feature.

Defenders Giorgio Scalvini and Sandro Tonali, both of whom have recent experience in the senior squad, are expected to start alongside Wilfried Gnonto in the midfield.

In the attacking department, Lorenzo Colombo poses a strong challenge to Pietro Pellegri’s position. Additionally, Samuele Ricci, a promising talent from Torino, is a strong contender if coach Paolo Nicolato decides to make changes in the midfield.

Norway

Norway enters their final group fixture with little left to play for, as they have already been defeated in their previous matches against Switzerland and France. While they were outsiders to advance to the quarterfinals, they had previously shown resilience in qualifying by holding off Croatia, Finland, and Austria.

Although they suffered a winless streak before the tournament, Norway displayed a strong performance against France, pushing a much-changed French side unexpectedly hard. With no pressure on their shoulders this time around, they might fancy their chances of testing Italy as well.

Norway’s coach, Leif Gunnar Smerud, has expressed frustration over the team’s inability to convert chances. However, considering that Italy has already conceded four goals in the tournament, his team may look to capitalize on any defensive anxiety their opponents may have.

Team News

Kristoffer Klaesson, who replaced Mads Christiansen in the match against France, is expected to retain his place between the posts.

In terms of their attacking line, two promising teenage talents, Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb, are set to start alongside Salernitana striker Erik Botheim. Antonio Nusa, who recently turned 18 in April, has already gained experience playing for Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League last season. Meanwhile, Oscar Bobb represents Manchester City and will provide support in the Norwegian forward line.

Conclusion

As has been said, Norway carry no pressure whatsoever into this game and will play only for pride, though that probably won’t be enough to hold off Italy as they seek to ensure a place in the next round.

Verdict: Italy win

Best odds: 10/17

Bookmaker: BetUS