On June 10 at 2:45 AM Beijing Time, Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina will face off in a friendly match at the Stadio Castrense in Empoli.
Italy is currently ranked 9th in FIFA. Since the beginning of 2024, the team has maintained an unbeaten record across all competitions. In March’s international break, they defeated Venezuela and Ecuador from South America. However, their lackluster performance in a goalless draw against Turkey in a friendly raised concerns from the media. After taking over as Italy’s head coach in September last year, Spalletti impressed with his team securing the second spot in their Euro qualification group ahead of Ukraine, setting the stage for their title defense in Germany.
This friendly serves as Italy’s final tune-up before the Euros. Spalletti expressed his “satisfaction” with the preparations and hopes that his “great team” continues their favorable record against Bosnia and Herzegovina (3 wins, 1 draw). Italy will kick off their Group B campaign against Albania on June 15, followed by matches against Spain and Croatia.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, currently ranked 74th in FIFA, did not qualify for this summer’s Euros. In UEFA Qualifying Group J, they won only three out of ten matches, earning a Nations League playoff spot but lost to Ukraine in the semifinal, leading to then-coach Miroslav Bla?evi?’s resignation.
Former Bosnian football star Bari?i? took over the national team helm and recently faced England at Wembley, losing 0-3. Despite failing to register a shot on target and having just 29% possession, the 52-year-old Bari?i? was “proud” of his team’s display.
Spalletti confirmed Italy’s final 26-man squad for the Euros on Thursday, leaving out Provedel, Ricci, and Osolini. Goalkeeper Meret and midfielder Barella, both injury doubts, are unlikely to feature against Bosnia, having missed the Turkey friendly. For Bosnia, Vasi?, Radi?, and legendary forward Edin D?eko (134 caps, 65 goals), the team’s all-time leading scorer, have been ruled out due to injuries. Bari?i? might start Augsburg’s ?emirovi? as the lead striker.
Despite Italy’s disappointing last friendly, facing a Bosnia and Herzegovina side that has conceded 16 goals in their last five games, Spalletti’s men should have the confidence and ability to secure a victory, boosting their title defense campaign.
>>’>More betting tips for this match here>>> ?