Italy's new cycle under Luciano Spalletti starts off in North Macedonia, where the Azzurri will face the same side that knocked out the Italian national team in the play-offs for 2022 World Cup qualification. This will be the first game under manager Spalletti, who replaced Roberto Mancini in the summer. During their Euro 2024 qualifier, England won 2-1 in Naples before Italy managed to beat Malta 2-0 in their second game. Italy are currently third in the group with three points after two games, while the hosts have the same points, but played three games so far. Here's our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
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How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday, September 9 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
- Location: National Arena Todor Proeski -- Skopje, North Macedonia
- Live stream: fubo (try for free)
- Odds: North Macedonia +950; Draw: +380; Italy -345
Team news
North Macedonia: Burnley's Darko Churlinov is out injured for the game alongside Valon Ethemi and Marjan Radeski, but striker Aleksandar Trajkovski remains the main striker, despite the former Palermo striker is still a free agent and is expected to start on Saturday.
Potential North Macedonia XI: Dimitrievski; Ashkovski, Velkovski, Musliu, Zajkov, Alioski; Ademi, Bardhi; Elmas; Trajkovski,
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Italy: There won't be radical changes in the guests despite the new coach, but winger Federico Chiesa picked up a muscular injury and will likely miss the clash.
Potential Italy XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Tonali, Cristante; Politano, Immobile, Berardi.
Prediction
The Azzurri need to start the new cycle under Spalletti with a win and can't miss this chance. Pick: Italy 3, North Macedonia 1.
