Italy host the Netherlands in the Nations League this evening as both countries vie for top spot in their group.
With five points from three games, Italy lead Group 1 of League A as things stand, but the Netherlands – one point behind – could overtake Roberto Mancini’s side with a victory in Bergamo.
That might be a tough ask, however, with Italy unbeaten in their last 18 games and the Netherlands having failed to score in their last three matches.
Their last two outings – a 1-0 friendly defeat by Mexico last week and a 0-0 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina – marked Frank de Boer’s first two games in charge of the Oranje, and he’ll be keen to see his team pick up a first win under his management.
Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s fixture:
When is it?
The game kicks off at 7.45pm BST this evening. It will take place in Bergamo, Italy.
How can I watch it?
The match will air live on Sky Sports Football, and subscribers can also stream it on the Sky website and Sky Go app.
What is the team news?
Nicolo Zaniolo, Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi are all absent from the Italy squad due to injury, but otherwise Mancini has a strong set of players to choose from, including Juventus defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, and striker Ciro Immobile of Lazio.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, have Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek, Man City defender Nathan Ake and Lyon star Memphis Depay at their disposal.
Predicted line-ups
Italy: Donnarumma; D’Ambrosio, Bonucci, Chiellini, Spinazzola; Barella, Jorginho, Locatelli; El Shaarawy, Immobile, Chiesa
Netherlands: Cillessen; Veltman, Ake, Van Dijk, Wijndal; Koopmeiners, De Roon; Bergwijn, Van de Beek, Depay; Malen
Odds
Italy: 1/1
Netherlands: 11/4
Draw: 12/5
Prediction
Form favours Italy, who were 1-0 winners when the nations met last month. The Netherlands certainly have the talent to make it a competitive game, but do they have the cohesion? Under new coach De Boer, they seemingly do not – yet. Italy 1-0 Netherlands.
