Sports Mole previews Tuesday’s European Under-17s Championship clash between Italy Under-17s and England Under-17s, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
On Thursday, Italy Under-17s will go head-to-head against England Under-17s in the European Under-17 Championship quarter-finals.
Italy finished top of Group C with maximum points, while the Three Lions collected six points to clinch second spot in Group D.
Match preview
Italy breezed through the group stage to progress to the knockout rounds for the fourth time in their last four appearances at the European Under-17 Championship.
They claimed 2-0 victories in their first two games against Poland and Slovakia to wrap up top spot in Group C with a game to spare.
Although they had little to play for, Italy continued to build momentum with a narrow victory in Monday’s clash with Sweden.
They fought back from a goal down to claim a narrow 2-1 win thanks to efforts from Cristian Cama and Francesco Camarda.
Italy are now looking to reach the European Under-17 Championship semi-finals for the first time since finishing runners-up in 2018 and 2019.
England are preparing to appear in the quarter-finals for the second straight season after successfully negotiating their way through the group stage.
The Three Lions began their campaign with a dominant 4-0 over France, before they were swiftly stopped in their tracks by a heavy 4-1 defeat against Portugal.
Greg Lincoln‘s side ultimately produced a strong response in their final group game against Spain, recording a 3-1 victory to finish in second place behind Portugal.
Shumaira Mheuka saw his opener cancelled out by Adrian Arnuncio, before Mikey Moore and Ethan Nwaneri grabbed a goal apiece to clinch all three points.
Having progressed to the knockout rounds for the 13th time, England will now be looking to secure their place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2018.
Italy Under-17s European Under-17s Championship form:
England Under-17s European Under-17s Championship form:
Team News
After rotating his side on Monday, Italy boss Massimiliano Favo is set to recall the likes of Alessandro Longoni, Emanuel Benjamin, Christian Cama, Federico Coletta, Alessandro Di Nunzio and Mattia Mosconi.
Having served a one-match suspension, Cristian Garofalo is set to line up in central defence alongside Andrea Natali.
At the opposite end of the pitch, Camarda will be looking to continue his fine form after scoring in Italy’s last two matches.
As for the Three Lions, Lincoln could be tempted to bring some fresh legs into the side, with Christian McFarlane and Chris Rigg pushing for starting spots.
The England boss will also have to decide whether to stick with goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff or recall his Manchester City teammate Spike Brits.
Arsenal’s Nwaneri will be one of England’s main attacking threats after finishing the group stage with two goals to his name.
Italy Under-17s possible starting lineup:
Longoni; Benjamin, Natali, Garofalo, Cama; Coletta, Mantini, Di Nunzio, Liberali; Camarda, Mosconi
England Under-17s possible starting lineup:
Whatmuff; Shahar, Mfuni, Noble; Moore, Fletcher, Mukasa, Rigg, McFarlane; Nwaneri, Mheuka
We say: Italy Under-17s 2-2 England Under-17s
We think these two sides could be involved in a close-fought contest, and we think they could go all the way to extra-time, where we think England will outlast their opponents to progress to the semi-finals.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.