Germany to make winning start
Italy face Germany at Bologna's Renato Dall'Ara Stadium in the first match of the UEFA Nations League 2022/2023. Having missed out on both a World Cup place and the Finalissima trophy last weekend, Gli Azzurri are going to be hard pressed to see any immediate improvement. Read our preview here:
Scam artist
Roberto Mancini will shuffle the deck substantially after Wednesday's defeat to Argentina, a game which also marked Gio Chiellini's last ever national team appearance. That vacancy should be taken by Alessandro Bastoni, whilst up front, Sassuolo's Gianluca Scamacca will lead the line.
Raum for manoeuvre
Hansi Flick should have the vast majority of his preferred XI available, with attack-minded David Raum looking to make the problem left-back role for Die Mannschaft his own. The evergreen Thomas Müller will rove in between the lines; the 32 year old has a huge haul of 25 assists for club and country this season.
Betting tip
Italy have several key players absent for this series of games, whilst Germany have looked stronger since Flick's appointment. bet365 have odds of 2.17 for an away win on Saturday.
