Italy U21 vs Latvia U21 Match Preview

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As the international break is starting this weekend, one game you won't want to miss is the Latvian U21 side playing away in Cesena against Italy's U21 side in the 2025 Euro U21 Qualifiers on Friday. Despite Italy having 73% ball possession and 7 shots on target in the previous match against Latvia at the Slokas Stadions, Latvia tied the match 0-0 which was a massive upset in the group.

Deniss Meļņiks (4) winning the ball over Daniele Ghilardi (11).
Image Source: Futbols Facebook Page

This Italian side is stacked in talent as at the back they have Atalanta defender Matteo Ruggeri who has been solid at the ball not only for the U21's but also in the Serie A as he has an 83% pass accuracy rate and has 3 assists this season. In the middle, Italy have AS Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove who has been a vital player in the Serie A and Europa League at just 21-years old. In the Serie A, Bove has a 62% succesful dribbling rate and a 84% pass accuracy rate. Another player to watch is Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto who has been scoring goals for fun in the qualifiers. Gnonto has scored 4 goals in 2 qualifying matches and has also had 13 appearances with Italy's senior side.

Lorenzo Pirola celebrates with the team after scoring vs San Marino
Image Source: Azzurri Twitter (X) Page 

There is no denying that Latvia are weaker then Italy on paper however, they have been punching above their weight in the qualifiers having tied Italy 0-0 as well as a shock 2-1 win over Turkey. Gnonto will be up against the defensive pairing of Niks Sliede (Valmiera) and Ralfs Maslovs (FS Jelgava). Sliede has had two clean sheets in the first two Virsliga matches with Valmiera while Maslovs is solid at the back and is effective up front. Valmiera forward Lūkass Vapne is lethal up front as he's scored twice in the qualifiers. As mentioned in the RFS vs Valmiera match preview I wrote a week ago, Vapne is brilliant at build up play as he can assist and is exceptional at set pieces.

Latvia's starting 11 lineup before their match vs Turkey
Image Source: Futbols Facebook Page

Anything other than a win will be a massive blow to the Italians, as 2nd place Ireland (10 points) are only one point below them in the group (1st place gets automatic spot in the 2025 Euro U21 Championships). Italy's U21 manager Carmine Nunziata stated that the only regret in the qualifiers was the draw to Latvia and "other than that, it's been positive". Latvia are in 4th place with 7 points and have held their own in the qualifiers. An away fixture against Italy is always going to be tough, however Latvia still have a chance to get 2nd place and a tie would be a massive result. Can they achieve the unthinkable again? We will see on Friday.

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