Probable Lineups
Probable Lineups Statistical Comparison
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in Friendlies.
Missing Players
Italy
Nigeria
Player | Reason | Status |
---|---|---|
Andrea Barzagli | Out |
Player | Reason | Status |
---|---|---|
Victor Obinna | Out |
Team News
Italy
Nigeria
- 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 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.
- Shola Ameobi is expected to start alongside Bright Dike, with Emmanuel Emenike Ahmed Musa dropping to the bench following their performance against Ethiopia.
It seemed that Italy dominated the whole 2nd half, according to the stats...hope they'r simply saving their luck for the World Cup!
so happy that Rossi is back in the Italian national team