Best odds: 49/20
Bookmaker:
The upcoming match between Ukraine and Italy in the Euro 2024 qualification on Sunday stands as a crucial showdown, with both teams vying for the second spot in Group C and a ticket to the European Championship next summer.
As it stands, Italy holds the second position in the group, and they can secure qualification to the finals by preventing a defeat against Ukraine. On the other hand, Ukraine, the nominal hosts with the match set to take place at the BayArena in Germany, have the opportunity to secure their spot in the finals by clinching a victory against the reigning European champions.
Ukraine
Ukraine face a critical fixture in their Euro 2024 qualification journey after a mixed set of results in recent matches. While they started with only one point from games against England and Italy, their subsequent victories over North Macedonia and Malta have propelled them to 13 points in Group C.
Currently sitting third but tied on points with Italy, a win against Italy in their upcoming match would secure Ukraine the second spot behind England, granting them direct qualification for Euro 2024. Failing a victory, Serhiy Rebrov s men still maintain a chance for a playoff spot through their UEFA Nations League B standing, although this outcome is not yet confirmed.
Despite missing out on the 2022 World Cup, Ukraine performed well in Euro 2020, reaching the quarter-finals before losing to England. In their head-to-head history, Ukraine have struggled against Italy, having lost seven out of nine previous encounters, including a 2-1 defeat in their previous Group C encounter earlier in the qualification stage.
Team News
Artem Dovbyk is expected to lead the attacking line, supported by Mykhaylo Mudryk. Yukhym Konoplya might play a role providing cover on the right side of the forward line.
Arsenal s Oleksandr Zinchenko, who captains the team, will likely feature in central midfield alongside other Premier League players like Vitalii Mykolenko from Everton and Illya Zabarnyi from Bournemouth.
Italy
Italy seems to be in a position where a win or even a draw against Ukraine would secure their place in Euro 2024. If they can t finish in the top two, they have the backup of a UEFA Nations League A playoff spot.
Their recent 5-2 win over North Macedonia showed their strength, although conceding two goals after being three up raised some concerns, despite the fact that they went on to score twice more. But Italy s track record, especially being the reigning European champions after their victory in Euro 2020, demonstrates their pedigree in major tournaments, and Luciano Spalletti will be aiming to have his team justify that reputation.
Despite their recent European success, Italy faced challenges in World Cup campaigns, failing to qualify for the last two editions and experiencing disappointing group stage exits in 2010 and 2014. It s been a rough patch for the national team on the global stage since their triumph in Germany in 2006.
Team News
Spalletti might opt for consistency in selection for this match, with a similar starting XI to the one used against North Macedonia. Federico Chiesa, who scored twice in that game, is likely to continue on the left side of the attack, alongside Domenico Berardi and Giacomo Raspadori.
In the midfield, Nicolo Barella, Jorginho, and Giacomo Bonaventura formed the trio in the last game and are expected to retain their places. However, Spalletti has options like Nicolo Zaniolo and Davide Frattesi if he decides to make changes and freshen up the lineup. The final selection will likely depend on the players fitness leading up to the match.
Conclusion
Italy will be aiming for that crucial result to secure their spot in Euro 2024, while Ukraine will certainly put up a strong fight, knowing a victory would seal their direct qualification. It ll be an intense battle, but Italy s quality might just give them the edge they need in securing that spot.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 49/20
Bookmaker:
