The champions of the 2020 European Championship, Italy, will be looking to test their readiness for the difficult task of trying to defend their crown as current holders with a friendly against South American long-timers, Ecuador on Sunday night.

Having done barely enough to secure their qualification for the next edition of the competition in Germany by finishing 2nd thanks to a better head-to-head record over Ukraine in the qualifying group, Italy now has to face the hardest part, defending the crown.

Ecuador too, on the other hand, will be hoping to use this game as a litmus test for their readiness towards the biggest international tournament in South America and a trophy they have never won, the Copa America.

 

New Boss, Luciano Spalletti Looks Poised for the Task

The former Napoli manager and the man to have led the Naples club to their first league title in years, Luciano Spalletti, looks very ready for the huge task of defending the Euros.

The manager knows first-hand what it is to lead a side to glory. He has done it several times in his club career with AS Roma and Zenit St, Petersburg and he looks to do it again.

Having had to replace fellow compatriot Roberto Mancini as the Italian boss with six games still to go in the qualifiers for the tournament, Spalletti led the rather young and new-looking Italy side to the finish line with 3 wins, 2 draws and a single defeat to England.

Since then he has beaten another South American side, Venezuela, 2-1, and is looking to make Ecuador the next side he has overcome on his list.

With two more friendly matches lined up before Italy’s opening game of the tournament against Albania, Spalletti with his young Italian side will have to take full advantage of the opportunity these games provide them.

 

Ecuador, Having Been World Cup Tested, is Looking Good

 

Ecuador was at the last FIFA World Cup as the only nation to join the traditional ones representing South America on the world stage, (Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay) ahead of Chile, Costa Rica, Paraguay etc.

As a matter of fact, they made the world tournament ahead of Italy, their opponents, and all that was due to their hard work and progression over the past few years.

As we speak, they are ranked 5th, ahead of Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia and Peru in the ongoing World Cup qualifications for the next edition.

Led by Spanish manager, Felix Sanchez, the Ecuadorians are currently on a 6 game-unbeaten run that includes a victory over Uruguay and a draw with Colombia in the World Cup Qualifiers with their last defeat a 1-0 loss in the same competition against World Champs, Argentina.

 

Match Stats

 

Italy are unbeaten in 4 home games while Ecuador haven't lost in 6 matches.

The last time the two sides met was in the 2002 FIFA World Cup with the Italian running out 2-0 winners.

Italy have conceded 6 goals and scored 12 in their last 5 games while Ecuador have conceded just 1 goal and scored 5 in as many games.

You can check out the Italy vs Ecuador friendly game on MSport here:

https://www.msport.com/ng/web/sports/Soccer/International_Int__Friendly_Games/Italy_vs_Ecuador/sr:match:47748429?k=Italy?EMA

 

A Spanish national team, which has seen some quiet finally after news of Real Madrid winger, Brahim Diaz’s nationality switch to Morocco broke, is set to test its squad before the start of the Euros against South American giants, Colombia on Friday night.

For the Colombians, too, this game presents them with an opportunity to see first-hand what they are capable of against top-ranked teams in Europe before they try to win their first Copa America title since 2001 later this year when the tournament starts in June.

 

Spain’s Young Talents like Nico & Yamal, to Justify Their Euros Inclusion

Spain has three friendly matches lined up before the start of the European Championship in Germany in June, i.e. this one, another against Brazil, and the final one against Albania, and all these games are to help manager Luis de la Fuente choose his final 23-man squad.

While there are some names like the proven old guard that might be guaranteed for the tournament, for the young lads, some if not all, might have to use these games to show the manager that they can offer something at the tournament.

While of Spain’s young core, Barca pair of Pedri and Gavi seem guaranteed starters, with Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams now gradually establishing himself as one too, there are others like Pau Cubarsi, Alex Baena, Yamal, Ohain Sancet, Martin Zubemendi and Daniel Vivian, all with less than 5 caps for the senior national team will have to prove themselves.

Called up for these friendlies, they would all be hoping to use these games, especially with Pedri and Gavi absent through injuries, to try to impress the manager and their senior teammates ahead of their first game of the Euros against Luka Modric’s Croatia in June.

Colombia Have an Unbeaten Run to Protect

While Spain comes into this friendly on an eight-game winning run, Colombia come into this one unbeaten in their last 19 matches in all competitions, with their last defeat being a 1-0 loss to Argentina in February 2022.

Aside from that, Nestor Lorenzo's side is on a four-game winning run in all competitions, including a 2-1 success over Brazil in November, with their last two matches being friendlies, where they beat Venezuela 1-0 and Mexico 3-2 in their final two games of 2023.

So if it is a test Spain wants, they will have one against this Colombian side, who have shown they will provide stern competition for Spain in West Ham’s London Stadium on Friday.

Match Stats

• Spain hasn't lost in their last 8 matches in all competitions, while Colombia haven't lost in their last 19 matches in all competitions.
• Spain and Colombia have met twice only in the past, all in friendlies with Spain winning 1-0 when the two met in 2011 and drew 2-2 in 2017.
• Spain have scored 15 goals in their last 5 games in all competitions while conceding just 2. Colombia on the other hand, have scored 6 and conceded just 3.

 

You can check out the Spain vs Colombia friendly game on MSport here.

The footballing world braces for an epic showdown as reigning world champions France collide with perennial powerhouse Germany in an international friendly charged with anticipation. Set against the backdrop of the Groupama Stadium, Saturday's clash holds significant implications for both sides as they gear up for Euro 2024 amidst contrasting fortunes and aspirations.

 

Match Preview

With the scars of World Cup 2022 still fresh and a turbulent Nations League campaign behind them, France embarks on their Euro 2024 journey with optimism and determination. Didier Deschamps's men sailed through the qualifiers with aplomb, registering commanding victories and only faltering once against Greece. As they set their sights on continental glory, Les Bleus seek to make a resounding statement against familiar foes, including Netherlands and Austria, in the upcoming group stage.

In stark contrast, Germany grapples with a crisis of form and confidence following their lackluster World Cup exit and underwhelming friendly encounters. Julian Nagelsmann's tenure at the helm has been fraught with challenges, as Die Mannschaft struggles to recapture the winning formula that once defined its dominance. With Euro 2024 looming large, Germany's encounter with France presents a pivotal opportunity to reignite their aspirations and silence the skeptics.

 

 

Team form

France form: Win, Loss, Win, Win, Win, Draw

Germany form: Loss, Win, Win, Draw, Loss, Loss

 

 

Predicted Lineups

 

France: 4-3-3 

Maignan (GK)

Clauss(RB)

 Pavard(RCB)

Upamecano(LCB)

T. Hernandez(LB)

Rabiot(CM)

Tchouameni(DM)

Camavinga (CM)

Dembele(RW)

Giroud (CF)

Mbappe (CF)

Germany: 4-2-3-1

Ter Stegen (GK)

Kimmich(RB)

Tah (RCB)

Rudiger (LCB)

Raum(LB)

Kroos (DM)

Gundogan (DM)

Musiala(LM)

Wirtz(RM)

Havertz (AMF)

Fullkrug (CF)

 

 

Predictions and Insights

💰These two teams have faced each other in 8 matchups over the past few seasons, as the available data indicates.

💰In their 8 previous meetings, France has won 4 matches, Germany has won 2 matches, and 2 matches have ended in a draw.

💰In previous matchups, the average number of goals scored between France and Germany has been 2.

💰This season, France has been performing exceptionally well in International Friendlies, averaging 3 points per game in their home matches. On the other hand, Germany has been struggling to secure points during away matches, only averaging 1 point per game.

 

 

👉Find the match link here👈

 

 

 

 

In a clash eagerly anticipated by football fans worldwide, England and Brazil are set to ignite the iconic Wembley Stadium. Gareth Southgate's determined Three Lions, still reeling from their Euro 2020 final heartbreak, seek redemption and a final chance to etch their names in international glory. On the other side, Brazil, under new head coach Dorival Junior, are on a quest to reclaim their dominance amidst a turbulent spell. As the stage is set for a captivating encounter, the spotlight shines on these footballing giants as they strive to assert their supremacy on the hallowed turf.

 

Match Preview

Three years after their agonizing defeat in the Euro 2020 final, England finds themselves at a pivotal juncture, with Euro 2024 looming large as possibly Gareth Southgate's last shot at international glory. The journey from the World Cup quarter-final disappointment to regaining their foothold in the Nations League has been arduous, but with a stellar qualification campaign, the Three Lions are primed for redemption. Victories over Italy and a resilient qualifying run underscore England's determination to reignite their championship aspirations.

However, Brazil arrives at Wembley carrying the weight of recent setbacks in their quest for World Cup qualification. Enduring a rare streak of losses, the Selecao under Dorival Junior are grappling with form issues, making their clash with England a crucial litmus test. With the spotlight on their emerging talents and the void left by key players sidelined due to injury, Brazil's resolve faces a stern examination against a formidable English side.

 

 

Team Form

England form (all competitions): Draw, Win, Win, Win, Win, Draw

Brazil form (all competitions): Win,Win, Draw, Loss, Loss, Loss

 

 

Team News

In a tale of emerging talents and seasoned campaigners, England grapples with key absences while welcoming fresh faces into their fold. The absence of stalwarts like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish presents an opportunity for young guns to make their mark on the international stage. On the Brazilian front, injury woes have dealt a significant blow, thrusting untested players into the spotlight as they brace themselves for the ultimate test against England.

 

 

Predicted Lineup

 

England:  4-3-3

 

Pickford(GK)

Walker(RB)

Stones(RCB)

Maguire(LCB)

Chiwell(LB)

Foden(CM)

Rice(DM)

Bellingham(CM)

Bowen (RW)

Harry Kane(CF)

Rashford(LW)

 

Brazil: 4-2-3-1

 

Bento (GK)

Danilo(RB)

Bremer(RCB)

Beraldo(LCB)

Wendell(LB)

Guimaraes(DM)

Luiz (DM)

Raphinha (RM)

Rodrygo (AMF)

Vinicius Jr(LW)

Richarlison (CF)

 

 

Predictions and Insights

💰In past matchups, England and Brazil have typically seen an average of 1.5 goals scored per game.

💰England has an impressive home record, averaging 3 points per game, while Brazil struggles on the road, only managing 0.8 points per game.

💰In their most recent 8 matches, Brazil has emerged victorious 4 times, while England has only won once. Additionally, three matches resulted in a draw.

💰Their most recent two matches have both resulted in a draw.

 

 

👉Find the Match link here👈