Nigeria vs Italy: Match Preview of 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup group D clash

Nigeria and Italy go head to head in a 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup group D clash in Argentina. SPORTSRATION presents a match preview in this report.

MATCH REPORT

Type of Competition: FIFA U-20 World Cup

Round: Group Stage

Fixture: Nigeria Vs Italy

Date: Wednesday May 24, 2023

Time: 7pm

Venue: Estadio Malvinas Argentinas

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the second meeting between Nigeria and Italy at FIFA U-20 World Cup level.

The first meeting was in October 1987. Italy emerged victorious in that game 2-0.

36-years on, the Europeans are up against Nigeria again.

With the bragging rights from the previous meeting and rating in World Football, Italy will start as favourites at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza.

ABOUT THE MATCH

Nigeria and Italy started the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup with wins in their opening games vs Dominican Republic (2-1) and Brazil (3-2) respectively on Sunday May 21.

This match will be a battle for top spot in group D and also a place in the Round of 16 with a game to spare.

Perfectly poised for a thrilling contest, Nigeria`s Flying Eagles have admitted being underdogs but will approach the encounter without fear.

For Italy, Nigeria represent a tricky opposition which they will trade with caution.

Brazil and Dominican Republic lock horns in the other group D match which will kick-off in Mendoza an hour after the Nigeria Vs Italy match.

KEY PLAYERS

Nigeria: Three players stood-out for Ladan Bosso tutored Flying Eagles in the win over Dominican Republic. Match winner Samson Lawal, Jude Sunday and Defensive midfielder Daniel Daga will be key for the Eagles against Italy.

Italy: Carmine Nunziata`s team is full of talented players, how well Nigeria can stop Ceaser Casadei, and Facundo Buonanotte will shape the outcome of this match.

SPORTSRATION SAYS

A tricky encounter to attempt a score prediction, expect both teams to score.