Prediction: Italy vs Ukraine

Verdict: Double Chance – Ukraine-Draw

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: bet365

Italy are getting ready to continue the rebuilding process following what turned out to be a disastrous 2018 World Cup qualification campaign. Roberto Mancini has not been overly successful at the beginning of his Italy reign and will definitely be looking to get back to winning ways against Ukraine.

Italy

The Italian national team has endured some difficult times of late and it would appear that the managerial change did little to kick-start the Azzurri following a hugely disappointing World Cup qualifying.

The arrival of Roberto Mancini failed to nip the Italy slump as the Azzurri went on to win just one in five games under Mancini’s tutelage. The former Manchester City boss recorded a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia on his Italy debut but went on to lose at the hands of France days after, before being forced to settle for a draw against Netherlands in June freindlies. The struggle continued in September as well when Italy kicked off their UEFA Nations League campaign with a home draw against Poland and lost in Portugal three days later. Roberto Mancini has raised plenty of eyebrows with his squad selection and formation choices which saw several players being deployed out of position. The Italian boss is pushing the 4-3-3 system with Ciro Immobile upfront and that should be his preferred formation for the Ukraine duel as well.

Team News

Defenders Cristiano Piccini and Lorenzo Tonelli have been called up late to replace injured trio Danilo D’Ambrosio, Patrick Cutrone and Alessio Romagnoli.

Veteran defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are expected to be reinstated to the side after starting off from the bench last time out against Portugal.

Ukraine

Ukraine travel to Italy hoping to claim their first-ever win over the Azzurri. The Ukrainians are currently on a seven-match winless run in all competitions against Italy and Andriy Shevchenko’s men have a golden opportunity to claim a history first.

The Serie A legend Andriy Shevchenko has enjoyed a successful time at Ukraine helm thus far. Former AC Milan striker has brought stability into the ranks of Ukraine and his team is unbeaten in 2018, with four wins out of six games played this calendar year. Their overall record under the iconic striker and now manager Shevchenko extends to only three defeats in 18 games since he took over in 2016. Ukraine enjoyed a great start to their UEFA Nations League campaign, having beaten both Slovakia and Czech Republic and the forthcoming match against Italy will be a fantastic test for the in-form side. Shevchenko has built a solid base at the back with experienced duo of Yaroslav Rakitskiy and Mykyta Burda holding the line in front of goal, while Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka have been the biggest stars of the team.

Team News

Ukraine manager Andriy Shevchenko has been left without striker Artem Besedin who sustained an Achiles tendon inflammation and was forced to withdraw from the national team.

The experienced Kayserispor striker Artem Kravets  has been called to replace Besedin while defender Igor Plastun has received his first-ever senior call-up and could be in line for his national team debut on Wednesday.

Key Factors to Consider

• Italy won six of their seven matches against Ukraine
• Ukraine have yet to register a single win over the Azzurri
• Mancini’s men failed to win four of the last five matches in all competitions
• Ukraine are unbeaten throughout the calendar year of 2018
• Shevchenko’s side only failed to score in one of their last seven matches

Conclusion

Italy boss Roberto Mancini is struggling to find the winning formula and is still experimenting to find his best team. Mancini won only once in his five matches in charge and will be feeling the pressure to lead his team to victory against Ukraine. On the other side,  Ukraine are rock solid under Andriy Shevchenko and this might be as good a chance as it gets to record their first competitive triumph over the Azzurri.

Verdict: Double Chance – Ukraine-Draw

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: bet365