UEFA Nations League: Azzurri Desperate to Arrest Downward Slide

Italy vs Germany

Reigning European champions Italy are in trouble. After the disaster of failing to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar – capped off by their humiliating loss to North Macedonia in the play-offs – the Azzurri had another awful defeat against Argentina in the Finalissima.

As the disappointing results continue to pile up, the pressure will be on Roberto Mancini to avoid another defeat against Germany in their UEFA Nations League opener.

Die Mannschaft have gone on a nice winning run ever since their round-of-16 defeat to England in the Euros. And while the UEFA Nations League 2022 betting odds will not favour them away from home, they will like their chances of inflicting more agony on the out-of-form Azzurri.

Talking Points

Pressure growing on Mancini to fix Azzurri mess

Italy’s improbable Euro 2020 triumph feels like ages ago. Just over a year later, the Azzurri are looking in awful shape. They infamously missed World Cup qualification once again after an extended Euros hangover. And they suffered another setback as they were smashed 3-0 by Lionel Messi and Copa America champions Argentina in the Finalissima.

It was a rather disappointing way for legendary Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini to call time on his glittering international career. The 37-year-old was simply too slow to prevent Argentina’s second goal at the stroke of half-time and was substituted during the break.

Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni is likely to set to step in for Chiellini at the heart of Italy’s defence against Germany. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether Mancini will hand 35-year-old Leonard Bonucci another start or opt for a younger defender to partner Bastoni.

Mancini is missing a number of key players for this round of matches. Starting forwards Ciro Immobile and Domenico Berardi are both out injured, while Federico Chiesa is still recovering from his long-term knee injury. Midfield maestro Marco Verratti also wasn’t quite fit to play.

Mancini started the front three of Andrea Belotti, Federico Bernardeschi, and Giacomo Raspadori, and aside from Lorenzo Insigne, it’s hard to see who else can step up and produce some UEFA Nations League 2022 highlights for the Azzurri amid all their injuries in attack.

Germany’s Flick still ironing out the kinks

Hansi Flick’s Germany will head into their Nations League opener in fantastic form. They are currently on a nine-game unbeaten run after winning their last seven World Cup qualifying games in convincing fashion and holding the Netherlands to a 1-1 away draw in a friendly last time out.

But despite their fine unbeaten streak, there are still question marks surrounding Die Mannschaft ahead of the World Cup. Flick has switched between a 3-4-3 and a 4-2-3-1 in recent matches as he tries to discover his team’s best formation.

Meanwhile, Flick is also still trying to sort out his defence. Real Madrid-bound Antonio Rudiger is perhaps the most secure of his position, although Thilo Kehrer has been a surprisingly consistent starter for Flick’s Germany despite hardly being a regular for his club, Paris Saint-Germain.

New Borussia Dortmund recruit Nico Schlotterbeck got the start in the two recent friendlies and could be given another opportunity to play against Italy.

But the good news for Flick is that he will have top midfielder Joshua Kimmich back in the side after the Bayern Munich star missed the last few matches. And his clubmate Leon Goretzka is also back fit after an injury-hit campaign.

The Bayern trio of Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, and Serge Gnabry will be the favourites to start up front, although the Chelsea duo of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz did start the last two friendlies.

History

Italy and Germany – two of the historical giants of European football – have met 35 times in total. Italy hold a 15-9 edge in wins over the Germans, with 11 draws.

However, it has now been a decade since Italy last defeated Germany. After the Italians won their Euro 2012 semi-final showdown, Germany have gone four games unbeaten against the Azzurri. That includes a 4-1 win in a friendly in 2016 and a penalty shoot-out triumph in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Italy as very slight 2.53 favourites at home. Germany are priced at 2.74 to get the away win, while a draw is 3.15.

Italy are clearly short of form at the moment, and with several key forwards missing, they will likely have another tough time scoring goals.

This seems like a great opportunity for the Germans to get one over on their old foes. Although, the Azzurri should not be completely written off, especially at home. So while a Germany win is a good bet, don’t discount a potential draw as well.

 

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