Italy U21 vs Norway U21: Match Preview
Italy U21 will face Norway U21 at the Cluj Arena on Wednesday, June 28th, 2023, in the third round of the group stages of the 2023 U21 European Championship. Both teams are eager to secure a victory in this match as it will bring them closer to the knockout stage.
Head-to-Head
The last meeting between these two national teams took place at EURO 2013, resulting in a 1-1 draw. In total, Italy U21 and Norway U21 have played four games against each other, with Italy U21 winning one game, Norway U21 winning one game, and two matches ending in a draw.
Recent Form
Italy U21 has won three of their last four games after going winless in their three games prior. They opened their continental campaign with a 2-1 defeat to 10-man France U21 but bounced back in their second group game, beating Switzerland 3-2. On the other hand, Norway U21 has lost their first two games in the tournament and has failed to win any of their last six games across all competitions.
Predicted Lineup
Italy U21 (3-5-2): Carnesecchi; Lovato, Scalvini, Okoli; Bove, Tonali, Ricci, Udogie, Bellanova; Gnonto, Pellegri
Norway U21 (4-4-2): Klaesson; Solheim, Hove, Heggheim, Dragsnes; Hauge, Stenevik, Risa, Berisha; Larsen, Botheim
Team News
Italy U21 is without a clean sheet in their last three games in this fixture, while Norway U21 is without a clean sheet in their last three games across all competitions. Leif Gunnar Smerud’s Norway U21 side is the lowest-scoring team in Group D so far, with just one goal scored.
Prediction
Italy U21 is the favorite to win this match, with bookies pricing them at 8/13. Norway U21, on the other hand, is valued at 17/4 for a victory. Given Italy’s recent form and Norway’s struggles, it is likely that Italy U21 will secure a win in this match and progress to the quarter-finals.
