The Italian national team will play at home against England in the fifth round of the group stage of the League of Nations. The match will take place on September 23, starting at 18:45 GMT.
See also – Germany vs Hungary prediction
Nations League 2022-23
 Italy | vs |  England |
Preview
While a place in the UEFA Nations League final remains a possibility for Italy if they win here, perhaps the main goal now for the Euro 2020 champions will be the three points they need in this game to secure their place in the UEFA League A.
Undefeated in five matches against England, Italy have a psychological advantage over their guests and should count on their chances, especially after Roberto Mancini’s side brought the opponent to the European Championship just over a year ago.
That Euro 2020 win quickly dissipated after a shock World Cup qualifying elimination against North Macedonia.
This made Mancini’s decision to field a heavily changing team in their last (2-5) win against Germany all the more surprising and raises questions about how seriously they would take this game even if they still had a chance.
England have their own bronze medal in the Nations League after finishing third in the first edition, but this time they have yet to win the game.
Unlike their hosts, England will travel to Qatar in November, but after a humiliating 4-0 home defeat to Hungary in their last outing in June, there is work to be done in the meantime to assuage the growing frustrations of the loyal English.
Gareth Southgate’s pressure on the England manager is starting to mount. The Southgate team should put the World Cup aside for now as England know a loss here will see them relegated to League B and even a win won’t be enough to keep them in the final fight.
See also – more Nations League news
Players to watch
Italian Wilfried Gnonto scored his first international goal in that 2-5 loss to Germany and earned another call-up.
Whereas Harry Kane’s goal against Germany in June – England’s only goal in the 2022/23 Nations League – was his 15th straight scoring game for England.
Head to Head
England’s 0-4 loss to Hungary was the worst in the history of Gareth Southgate’s reign as head coach.
His team is now on four winless games, as well as their worst streak at Southgate. Italy’s last four games against England have ended in draws, including last summer’s Euro 2020 final, which they won on penalties.
Italy have never lost a competitive game at home to England, with their last meeting coming in a 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifier that ended goalless.
It's matchday! ⚽
🇮🇹 Italy 🆚 England 🏴
⏱️ 20:45 CEST
🏟️ San Siro, Milan#ITAENG #NationsLeague #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/Hp1DJi9X2g— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) September 23, 2022
Prediction
| Italy win 3.10 | Draw 3.25 | England win 2.60 |
Neither team was in top form or leading this game, but given Italy’s lead at home, they can probably be safely called the favourites.
England have the ability to beat any team on their day, but Italy have proven to be very strong opponents in recent years.
Prediction for this match: Italy win.
- Both teams to score
