One of the ties of the World Cup qualification stage takes place in Juventus Stadium on Thursday night, when Spain travel to hosts Italy. It promises to be a tough evening for the visiting team, considering only one team from outside Italy has ever won at the J Stadium, that being Bayern Munich in 2013.
Spain look a different proposition under new manager Julen Lopetegui compared to the side that lost to the Italians 2-0 in the last 16 of Euro 2016. Their record in World Cup qualifying is just as impressive as Italy’s home record, having not lost a game in 23 years, the last being against Denmark in March 1993.
Team News
New Italy manager Giampiero Ventura will be without Giorgio Chiellini in defence due to suspension, with AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli likely to replace him. Marco Verratti missed the Euros and is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes. Daniele De Rossi is expected to start in midfield, with Graziano Pelle and Eder upfront. The team shape is the same as that in the Euros. Despite setting off fireworks for Nice (on the pitch), Mario Balotelli hasn’t been included in the squad, but is expected to return to the international set up next month.
Real Sociedad’s Inigo Martinez received a call up as a late injury replacement for Javi Martinez. Andres Iniesta returns after missing last month’s fixtures against Belgium and Liechtenstein,as does Isco. But Cesc Fabregas, Juan Mata and Cesar Azpilicueta all miss out.
Stats
– Spain are top of Group G on goal difference, after beating Liechtenstein 8-0.
– Italy are second, having beaten Israel 3-1.
– Italy have won 6 and lost 4 of their last 10 matches.
– Spain have won 6, drawn 1 and lost 3 of their last 10 matches.
Match Prediction and Odds
– 1-1 (NetBet odds 5/1)
– Both teams to score (NetBet odds 6/5)
