Euro 2020

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Attendance: 5,084

Euro Champ Qualifying | Group Stage

Oct 15, 2019 at 7.45pm UK

Liechtenstein Liechtenstein
0-5
Italy

FT(HT: 0-1)

Bernardeschi (2'), Belotti (70', 92'), Romagnoli (77'), El Shaarawy (82')

Preview: Liechtenstein vs. Italy - prediction, team news, lineups

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter

Published: October 13 2019 | 16:00

Last updated: October 14 2019 | 07:41

Sports Mole provides team news, predicted lineups and a full preview of Tuesday's Euro 2020 qualifier between Liechtenstein and Italy.

Italy make the trip to Liechtenstein having already sealed their place at Euro 2020 courtesy of seven straight victories in Group J.

Meanwhile, their hosts on Tuesday night are without a win in the same number of fixtures, meaning that they are already out of contention for qualification.

Match preview

Jorginho celebrates scoring for Italy on October 12, 2019 © Reuters

Italy have been the frontrunners in this group since matchday one, and it has come as no surprise that they have already wrapped up their spot at next summer's Finals with matches to spare.

While Roberto Mancini has watched his side being forced to work hard in order to overcome Finland and Greece in their last two outings, it was exactly what they needed with their fixtures becoming less competitive going forward.

Mancini and this group of players will no doubt have their eyes on trying to end the qualifying campaign with a 100% record, something which has been rarely achieved in recent years.

Nevertheless, now is the time for Mancini to start handing more international experience to the backup members of the squad, with as many as 13 players in this group having earned 10 caps or fewer.

Given that a 26-man squad was named for this double-header, Mancini is seemingly ready to ring the changes, although that may not aid Liechtenstein's bid to cause a shock in Vaduz.

Being on the receiving end of a 6-0 thrashing in Parma as recently as March will still be fresh in their memory, and it was part of a five-game streak without scoring a goal.

However, the minnows deserve credit for how they have bounced back, with the 1-1 draw in Greece representing one of the most notable results in their history.

Finishing strongly to claim a share of the spoils against Armenia at the weekend also suggests that this group of players are starting to find some form ahead of welcoming one of international football's form team to the Rheinpark Stadion.

Liechtenstein form: LLLLDD

Italy form: WWWWWW

Team News

Highly-regarded Sandro Tonali could be handed his debut in midfield, while either Alex Meret or Pierluigi Gollini may make their first outing between the sticks.

Alessio Romagnoli, Gianluca Mancini and Cristiano Biraghi are in contention to feature at the back, with Bryan Cristante and Nicolo Zaniolo potentially being handed starts in midfield.

Andrea Belotti will hope to come into the attack, although Federico Chiesa is expected to miss out through injury.

As for Liechtenstein, Yanik Frick will expect to be recalled having come off the bench to score against Armenia at the weekend.

Liechtenstein possible starting lineup: B.Buchel; Malin, Kaufmann, Goppel; Rechsteiner, M.Buchel, Polverino, Meier; Salanovic, Hasler, Frick

Italy possible starting lineup: Meret; D'Ambrosio, Mancini, Romagnoli, Biraghi; Cristante, Tonali, Zaniolo; Bernardeschi, Belotti, El Shaarawy

We say: Liechtenstein 0- 3 Italy

While Liechtenstein have improved as the campaign has progressed, Italy should ease their way to another comfortable win with minimal fuss, regardless of whether Mancini makes multiple alterations.