Italy remains unbeaten in European and World Cup qualifying matches since 2006, a run of 52 matches, while Spain has not lost a World Cup qualifier since 1993, a total of 55 games.
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The Azzurri eliminated Spain from Euro 2016 in the round of 16, and Del Bosque stepped down after the competition having failed to win a third consecutive European title with the national team.
Portugal have relatively easy games at home to Andorra and away to the Faroe Islands, although coach Fernando Santos is still anxious about both opponents, comparing the latter to Euro 2016 surprise packages Iceland.
Spain and Italy are level on points in Group G after following up opening wins with a point but Albania moved top after a 2-0 victory in Lichtenstein maintained their flawless start to qualifying.
In his second competitive game in charge, after succeeding now-Chelsea manager Conte during the summer, Ventura is under pressure to deliver. “They will be more motivated, in better psychological and physical condition and they’ll want revenge for the defeat at the Euros”.
“We have to step up a gear with respect to how we played against Israel”. Spain had three, from a total of 13 efforts. There are dozens of markets to choose from and attractive odds when making Correct Score bets. bet365 will also be offering live in play odds throughout all of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Italy visits Macedonia on Sunday, when Spain travels to Albania, which also won its opening qualifier.
“We didn’t counter their more-direct style in the final 20 minutes”. “An excellent first half, and a it was a pity we could not take the three points”.
Silva is a player who can dictate a game, with his neatness in possession, effortless style as he glides over the pitch and his clinical scoring rate for Spain, he’ll be the player Italy will be looking to stop on Thursday.
“They’re the strongest opponents in the group”, he said. “They took advantage of their strengths”, he added. He’s given them an adrenaline boost, and conviction. “We can only learn from and be inspired by that”.
La Roja continued to cause the Azzurri problems and won countless corners, but the two sides went in goalless at half-time. It was a remarkable result given that Federation Internationale de Football Association only gave their approval for a host of players to represent the Balkan outfit on the day of the game.
Lazio’s Marco Parolo and Milan’s Giacomo Bonaventura complete the midfield, while Inter Milan’s Eder and Graziano Pelle, who now plays for Chinese club Shandong Luneng, remain the favourites to start in attack.
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Ventura persisted with the 3-5-2 favoured by his predecessor and handed Alessio Romanogli his debut in place of the suspended Giorgio Chiellini in defence.
