Italy vs Finland
Competition: International Friendly
Date: Monday 6th June 2016
Time: 7:45pm - 20:45 CET
Venue: Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, Verona (Italy)
Competition: International Friendly
Date: Monday 6th June 2016
Time: 7:45pm - 20:45 CET
Venue: Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, Verona (Italy)
Italy team topped their Euro 2016 qualification group by 4 points away from
second placed Croatia with an unbeaten record of 7 wins and 3 draw. The
Azzurri narrowly beat Scotland 1-0 in their last International Friendly
outing in Malta last Sunday, dominating possession but struggling to
take chances. That result ended a streak of six friendlies without a
victory as draws against Romania and Spain were sandwiched by
comprehensive defeats to Belgium and Germany.
Ciro Immobile and Simone Zaza are expected to replace Graziano Pellè and Eder up front. Stefan El Shaarawy and Candreva will probably support the attack while Daniele De Rossi, Stefano Sturaro and Thiago Motta will play in the middle of the park. In defense, Leonardo Bonucci is likely to be rested and Rugani should replace his team-mate.
Ciro Immobile and Simone Zaza are expected to replace Graziano Pellè and Eder up front. Stefan El Shaarawy and Candreva will probably support the attack while Daniele De Rossi, Stefano Sturaro and Thiago Motta will play in the middle of the park. In defense, Leonardo Bonucci is likely to be rested and Rugani should replace his team-mate.
Finland team missed out on qualification to Euro 2016 after finishing behind
Northern Ireland, Romania and Hungary in a very weak group. Anyway, they
posted an impressive draw against Belgium in their last friendly
fixture on Wednesday. Their major weakness is the attacking play - Hans
Backe's men have scored just one goal in their last five matches.
Sampdoria's Niklas Moisander, Finland's regular captain, missed five matches due to injury late in the Serie A season and was not selected by Backe. Perparim Hetemaj and Eremenko will be the key players in midfield, while former Celtic striker Teemu Pukki will lead the line.
Italy are undefeated against Finland in their previous ten games, they are currently on a 6 game winning streak against the Finnish national team.
Sampdoria's Niklas Moisander, Finland's regular captain, missed five matches due to injury late in the Serie A season and was not selected by Backe. Perparim Hetemaj and Eremenko will be the key players in midfield, while former Celtic striker Teemu Pukki will lead the line.
Italy are undefeated against Finland in their previous ten games, they are currently on a 6 game winning streak against the Finnish national team.
Probable lineups:
Italy: Buffon – Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini – Candreva, Florenzi, Motta, Giaccherini, Darmian – Pelle, Insigne.
Finland: Hradecky – Arkivuo, Arajuuri, Toivio, Raitala – Ring, Sparv, Hetemaj, Lod – Eremenko, Hamalainen.
Finland: Hradecky – Arkivuo, Arajuuri, Toivio, Raitala – Ring, Sparv, Hetemaj, Lod – Eremenko, Hamalainen.