Prediction: Italy vs Ukraine

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: BetUS

Having been held to a rather underwhelming draw against North Macedonia in their first game with Luciano Spaletti in charge, Italy will seek to book their first victory under the former Napoli boss when they face Ukraine in Milan on Tuesday.

Ukraine enter this clash from the second place in Group C of the Euro 2024 qualifications, with a five-point deficit behind leaders England, and Italy are one place further down, having played a game less.

Italy

After a four-month sabbatical, Spalletti’s first game back in management ended in disappointment as North Macedonia captain Enis Bardhi hit a fine free-kick to cancel out Ciro Immobile’s opener for the Azzurri. His men were hoping to avenge themselves on the Macedonians, who were responsible for their absence from the World Cup in Qatar, but it wasn’t to be.

Therefore, this game against Ukraine bears greater significance for Italy. A victory would see them overtake the Ukrainians in second place and boost their chances of automatic qualification for the Euros. Failure to win would make that task a lot more difficult at this point.

Before the draw in Skopje, Italy lost at home to England and triumphed away to Malta, which makes their tally stand at four points from three games.

Italy won third place in the most recent edition of the UEFA Nations League and that achievement has already secured a place in potential play-offs, but they will be keen to avoid that path if possible.

Team News

Italy have suffered two more injury setbacks ahead of this match, with Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Pellegrini both ruled out. Gianluca Mancini and Matteo Politano have also left the squad due to thigh and calf problems, respectively.

And while Spalletti opted against replacing the AS Roma defender, Politano’s absence has prompted him to call up Bologna’s Riccardo Orsolini.

Ukraine

After an opening loss to England, Ukraine have managed to secure seven points from their next three matches.

In their most recent game against England, Ukraine put in an impressive performance, with Oleksandr Zinchenko scoring the opener, cancelled out later by Kyle Walker. Ukraine thus secured a crucial point, which keeps them on track to qualify for the European Championships.

While Ukraine has never beaten Italy in eight previous attempts, they will be aiming to avoid defeat and secure at least a point in their upcoming clash.

A draw in Milan would further solidify their position in the group, particularly ahead of Italy, and increase their chances of making it to the European Championships.

Team News

The availability of Nikolai Matvienko and Mykhaylo Mudryk for Tuesday’s match against Italy remains uncertain due to injury concerns. Matvienko was forced off at halftime in the game against England due to an injury issue, and his participation in the upcoming match is in question. In his absence, Sergiy Kryvstov may be given a starting opportunity.

Chelsea winger Mudryk also picked up a calf issue during the match against England and was withdrawn in the 90th minute.

Conclusion

Following the North Macedonia draw, Italy are likely to raise the level of their game against Ukraine and make sure things don’t get too complicated for their prospects of qualifying for the Euros. A narrow home win is a probable outcome.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: BetUS