While there are talented players in the Azzurri line-up, they are clustered at the back and in midfield – and when you look at Italy’s attacking options, it is not a huge surprise that goals have been hard to come by on their travels.
The Italians do have the edge in terms of squad depth and quality, but Spalletti’s side have only scored four goals in their three away Euro 2024 qualifiers, and they could only hit two against a Malta side that have conceded 18 times in Group C. These sides played out a 1-1 draw in Skopje and that game featured only six shots on target. Of course, Italy have a game in hand on the Blue and Yellows, but the 2020 European Champions failed to win in North Macedonia – and Friday’s clash with the Lynxes looks anything but straightforward. Spalletti’s side are six points adrift of group leaders England and three points behind Ukraine in the second qualifying spot. The Italians’ Euro 2024 qualifying campaign started with a defeat to England in Naples and the Azzurri were also beaten by the Three Lions in the return fixture at Wembley. Luciano Spalletti’s men have slipped below England and Ukraine in the Group C standings and they cannot afford any mistakes at the Stadio Olimpico. Italy play host to North Macedonia in what is a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier for the Azzurri on Friday evening (7.45pm kick-off). Already claimed the CopyBet sign-up offer? Find more free bets from our expert’s rankings of the best betting sites in the UK.
