We’re back with the final international break of 2023 as we continue down the road to UEFA Euro 2024. It’s safe to say that things are really starting to heat up in pretty much every group as nations qualify and make their push to reach the playoffs. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what should be an intriguing battle between Italy and North Macedonia.
Italy Form GuideThey may be the reigning European champions, but the Italian national team have to focus on working hard to repair their image. They failed to qualify for the World Cup and as such, they need to remind fans that they are still an elite team within the continent. It’s not going to happen overnight, but gradually picking up points on the road to qualification will certainly help improve morale.
Italy needed a morale boost in October and that’s exactly what they got as they torched Malta 4-0. However, when locking horns with their old rivals England, they came up on the wrong end of a disappointing 3-1 defeat.
North Macedonia Form GuideThey may have lost all three group stage games, but North Macedonia still managed to give a great account of themselves when they qualified for Euro 2020. Their hope is that they can return to the big dance in time for Germany next year and although it seems like a big mountain to climb, they have a solid structure as well as the underdog spirit required to get past teams far bigger than them.
North Macedonia showed a lot of heart in their encounter with Ukraine but ultimately, they came up short, losing 2-0. Then, just three days later, they took on Armenia in a friendly match and got back on the winning trail with a 3-1 result.
Match PredictionThere is some interesting history in this fixture and while North Macedonia certainly have what it takes to spring an upset, it’d be a surprise given the stakes that are involved. It’s going to be a competitive encounter but the class of the hosts will shine through, leading to an Italy win.
