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Luxembourg were one of the worst performing teams in the WC 2026 qualifiers, so I don’t expect Italy to have problems here even with rotated lineup.
Key Stats
- Luxembourg have lost 6 of their last 8 matches.
- Italy have won 8 of their last 9 matches against Luxembourg.
- Italy have won to nil in 3 of their last 4 matches against Luxembourg.
- Italy have won 7 of their last 9 matches.
Nine Previous Meetings
This is going to be the 10th time these two sides lock horns, Italy holding an 8-0 advantage with one draw.
Luxembourg Struggled in the Qualifiers
Luxembourg had a disastrous run in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, failing to collect a single point in Group A against Germany, Slovakia and Northern Ireland, finishing with a 1-13 goal difference.
Jeff Strasser’s side locked horns against Malta in the Nations League relegation playoffs. The first tie was on the road, claiming a 2-0 victory with Vincent Thill and Mathias Olesen finding the net.
They finished the job in front of the home crowd with another win 3-0, posting 2.27-1.05 expected goals and holding 63% possession.
Italy Missing Third World Cup in a Row
Italy have not yet appointed a new national coach after Gennaro Gattuso’s departure due to failing to qualify for the World Cup 2026, entering these international friendlies under caretaker Silvio Baldini.
After finishing second in the group phase, the Azzurri defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 in the playoff semifinals in front of the home crowd. Sandro Tonali broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, Moise Kean sealing victory just before stoppage time.
Kean also scored early in the playoff finals against Bosnia & Herzegovina in the playoff finals a couple of days later, but then Alessandro Bastoni was sent off just before the break, allowing opposition to recover and ultimately win on penalties (1-1 in regular time).
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Luxembourg (4-2-3-1) Anthony Moris; Laurent Jans, Seid Korac, Dirk Carlson, Florian Bohnert; Christopher Martins, Mathias Olesen; Vincent Thill, Sebastien Thill, Rayan Dardari; Danel Sinani
Luxembourg will be without Benfica midfielder Leandro Barreiro due to an injury problem.
Luxembourg will be without Benfica midfielder Leandro Barreiro due to an injury problem.
Italy (4-3-3) Gianluigi Donnarumma; Marco Palestra, Pietro Comuzzo, Honest Ahanor, Davide Bartesaghi; Cher Ndour, Luca Lipani, Niccolo Pisilli; Luca Koleosho, Francesco Pio Esposito, Samuele Inacio
All except Pio Esposito, Niccolo Pisilli and Gianluigi Donnarumma are about to make a debut for the national team.
All except Pio Esposito, Niccolo Pisilli and Gianluigi Donnarumma are about to make a debut for the national team.