Italy takes on Bosnia-Herzegovina to kick start their campaign in UFEA Nations League 2020-21.
Match Timing: September 05 (12:12 AM IST)
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Italy host Bosnia-Herzegovina in the first group fixture in the 2nd edition of the UFEA Nations League in Florence on Friday night. Bosnia took advantage of finishing top of League B Group 3 and earned a promotion to League A in this competition. The Dragons added 10 points from their group matches. They have never qualified for the finals of a European Championship. In previous playoff fixtures, they lost to Portugal and the Republic of Ireland. Dusan Bajevic's side had a dull show in Euro Qualifiers, finishing 4th with five defeats and they also lost twice to their Friday’s rivals Italy.
Meanwhile, the Hosts’ last competitive outings came in Euro 2020 qualifiers, and in the previous contest, they humiliated Armenia 9-1 in the qualifier game. 2018 was an unforgettable year for Italy as they failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Russia and next, they won just one match out of four matches in the inaugural UEFA Nations League, finishing second to eventual winner Portugal in their group. Roberto Mancini would aim to make a positive start in the league as they are placed in a competitive group along with Netherlands and Poland who will also feature in Amsterdam on the same night.
Roberto Mancini’s men are having a winning streak of 11 matches and are pretty confident to top the group this time. They won all 10 matches in their Euro 2020 qualification group with scoring 37 goals and conceding just four. The Italians would prepare themselves ahead of the important clash with the Netherlands on Monday.
Lineups and Current Form
Italy
Lineup: Sirigu; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Bastoni, Biraghi; Barella, Jorginho, Gagliardini; Chiesa, Immobile, Zaniolo
Current Form: W W W W W W
Bosnia
Lineup: Sehic; Civic, Bicakcic, Sunjic, Kolasinac; Duljevic, Besic, Cimirot; Hodzic, Dzeko, Visca
Current Form: W L W L L W
Key Players (Stats from EURO Qualifiers)
Italy
Jorginho – 3 goals, 1 assist
Ciro Immobile – 3 goals, 2 assists
Bosnia
Edin Visca – 2 goals, 2 assists
Edin Dzeko – 3 goals, 2 assists
