Italy-Nigeria Statistical Preview

Probable Lineups

Team News

Italy

• Cesare Prandelli saw his side secure a morale boosting 1-1 draw with Germany on Friday and may look to the fixture with Nigeria as a chance to freshen up his squad.
• Andrea Barzagli is Italy’s only absentee, with the defender having returned to Juventus after picking up a thigh strain in the stalemate.
• Angelo Ogbonna is expected to come in at his teammate’s expense, while Giuseppe Rossi, Manuel Pasqual, Emanuele Giaccherini and Salvatore Sirigu could all come into the starting XI.

Nigeria

• Nigeria became the first African team to qualify for the World Cup following their 2-0 win over Ethiopia over the weekend and will be in confident mood ahead of the encounter with Italy.
• Victor Obinna is head coach Stephen Keshi’s only injury concern, but he may field an unchanged starting XI from the side that secured their place at Brazil 2014.
• That means Shola Ameobi will start from the bench, with Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa favoured to lead the attack for the Super Eagles.

Prediction

• The 1-1 draw with Germany on Friday means Italy are unbeaten in their last 5 games, but have drawn the last 3. Cesare Prandelli will be eager to secure victory against a Nigeria side understandably high on confidence.
• The Super Eagles secured their place at next summer’s World Cup over the weekend and will look to end the international break on a high against a strong, albeit unfamiliar looking, Italy side at Craven Cottage.
• However, while Nigeria boast enough quality to test the Azzurri, Italy’s strength will likely see them pick up the win.

Italy 3 - 1 Nigeria