International Football

Italy have the chance to make history on Tuesday, when they visit Liechtenstein in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying.

Per Football Italia, Roberto Mancini and his troops are one win away from breaking the nation's all-time win-streak record, currently sitting at eight:

Bet365 (h/t Oddschecker) have named the Italians overwhelming 1-50 favourites, while the hosts come in at 33-1. A draw carries odds of 20-1.

British fans can watch via Sky Go, while American viewers can tune in using ESPN+. The match will start at 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET.

Liechtenstein are not expected to put up much of a fight, having lost their first match against the Azzurri 6-0 in March.

Here are the highlights of that one-sided contest:

Liechtenstein have collected two points so far, scoring twice and conceding 20 goals. Their most recent outing was a draw against Armenia.

Italy have already won Group J to book their ticket for the Euro 2020 finals, in what has been an excellent qualifying campaign.

After missing on qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Mancini has the Azzurri back on the right track, per sports writer Giancarlo Rinaldi:

With their spot in the Euro 2020 tournament secured and the weakest team in the group on the schedule, the Italians are likely to rotate the squad and give some of their youngsters and fringe players a chance.

Federico Bernardeschi and Nicolo Zaniolo both came off the bench in Saturday's win over Greece and are likely to get the starting nod this time around.

There could also be minutes in store for the likes of Alessio Romagnoli and Cristiano Biraghi, while Alex Meret could be in goal after an impressive start to the season for Napoli.

Prediction: Liechtenstein 0-3 Italy

Italy secured qualification to UEFA Euro 2020 and top spot in Group J on Saturday by beating a spirited Greece side 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.  

Jorginho broke the deadlock for the hosts in the 63rd minute from the penalty spot after they failed to register a shot on target in the first half.

Federico Bernardeschi added a second from outside the area 15 minutes later to secure the win.

Italy are nine points clear at the top of Group J, having won every game and beaten nearest competitors Finland twice. 

The defeat leaves Greece with just one win in qualification, and that was in their first game of the group against Liechtenstein. With three matches remaining, they are seven points off a qualification place.

Italy failed to test goalkeeper Alexandros Paschalakis in the first half as they struggled to break down the visitors, despite enjoying the lion's share of possession.

No one managed to get on the end of a promising cross from Federico Chiesa, while Lorenzo Insigne blasted a wild shot over when he had the chance to shoot from the edge of the area.

Football Italia's Richard Hall noted their struggles against a resolute Greek defence:

The best chance of the half fell to the visitors when Dimitris Limnios forced a save from Gianluigi Donnarumma after a good team move.

Italian football writer Matthew Santangelo wanted to see more from the hosts at half-time:

Italy upped their attacking intensity in the second half, and Paschalakis had to be alert to tip a Ciro Immobile header around the post.

The breakthrough came for the Azzurri when Andreas Bouchalakis was penalised for handball after he blocked an Insigne shot with his arm, and Jorginho converted the resulting spot-kick.

Italy were then relieved to see Efthimis Koulouris fire into the side netting when he connected with a delivery across goal from Limnios after Zeca dispossessed Marco Verratti, while Anastasios Bakasetas wasted a gilt-edged opportunity when he mishit a volley from 12 yards.

Bernardeschi killed off the visitors' resistance when his low effort deflected past Paschalakis.

What's Next

Italy travel to Liechtenstein on Tuesday, while Greece host Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Italy beat Finland 2-1 on Sunday to move six points clear at the top of Group J in UEFA 2020 European Championship qualifying.

The visitors had the better of the first half but could not break the deadlock. Midfielder Stefano Sensi came the closest with a fierce volley that was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

The breakthrough came on 59 minutes through Ciro Immobile. The Lazio striker stooped to direct a header home after a cross in from the right by Federico Chiesa.

Finland hit back through in-form striker Teemu Pukki. The Norwich City forward won a penalty after being fouled by Sensi as he dribbled into the penalty area and stepped up to blast home the equaliser.

Italy restored their lead with a little over 10 minutes of normal time remaining. Jorginho slotted home a penalty after Sauli Vaisanen handled Nicolo Barella's shot.

Azzurri manager Roberto Mancini made changes to his team for the trip to Finland. Armando Izzo was handed his second cap, Francesco Acerbi made his competitive international debut and Sensi came in for the suspended Marco Verratti.

The game also saw centre-back Leonardo Bonucci reach a landmark for the national team:

Finland started with in-form Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki in attack and had the first chance of the game after just five minutes. Rasmus Schuller flicked a corner on at the near post, but Joona Toivio could not find the finish.

Italy suffered an early injury blow as Emerson was forced off after just eight minutes and replaced by Alessandro Florenzi. Goal's Nizaar Kinsella offered some detail on the injury:

The visitors went on to edge a hard-fought first half. Sensi's volleyed shot that was saved by Hradecky was their best chance, although Immobile, Florenzi and Chiesa also had efforts on goal.

Pukki flashed a shot just wide at the start of the second half, but it was Italy who took the lead just before the hour mark.

Chiesa whipped in a cross from the right, and the ball came off defender Paulus Arajuuri's head and fell to Immobile, who powered a header home at the far post.

Squawka Football highlighted how his goal ended a long drought at international level:

Finland hit back 10 minutes later when Pukki dribbled into the penalty area and went down under contact from Sensi.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was booked for time-wasting after the penalty was awarded, but he did not distract Pukki, who beat the Italian with his spot-kick to make it 1-1:

Italy sent on Federico Bernardeschi and Andrea Belotti in search of a winner and won a penalty when the impressive Barella saw his shot handled by Vaisanen.

Jorginho stepped up to take the kick and clinically squeezed a low shot past the diving Hradecky and into the corner.

The goal was enough to give Italy victory and preserve their 100 per cent record in qualifying after six games. Finland remain second in the group but still have work to do to make it through to the finals of a major tournament for the first time.

What's Next?

Both teams resume their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign in October. Italy take on Greece and Liechtenstein, while Finland play Bosnia-Herzegovina and Armenia.

Italy extended their lead at the top of UEFA 2020 European Championship qualifying Group J to six points on Thursday, when they recovered from a goal down to beat Armenia 3-1.  

The hosts initially stunned the Azzurri at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, as they took an 11th-minute lead through Alexander Karapetyan. Andrea Belotti eventually equalised for Italy in the 28th minute, before Karapetyan went from hero to zero, when he was sent off after a second yellow in first-half stoppage time.

Despite their man advantage, Italy were second best for much of the second period. Armenia were unable to take their chances, though, and the visitors went ahead through Lorenzo Pellegrini's header 13 minutes from time. 

Italy made the game safe a couple of minutes later, as Belotti's shot deflected off the post, onto the back of Armenia goalkeeper Arsen Beglaryan and into the back of the net.

Italy had plenty of the ball in the opening stages of the game, although they were sloppy in the way they used their possession. 

In the 11th minute, Armenia picked them off and were able to spring into a fantastic counter-attack to take the lead. At the end of a sweeping move, it was Karapetyan who was able to apply the finishing touch: 

With the atmosphere up among the home supporters, it took Italy some time to get back into their stride following that opener. Early frustration was beginning to creep into their play too, with Marco Verratti picking up a yellow card that'll see him suspended for the upcoming Finland clash.

When the pact slowed the quality of Italy did begin to shine through and it was Belotti who was the main beneficiary, as he was alert at the back post to sweep home an excellent cross from Emerson.

Rahman Osman of the Daily Mirror commented on the fine form being showcased by Emerson so far this term: 

Having acquitted themselves well in the first half, Armenia's task was made all the more challenging on the brink of the interval, when Karapetyan was given his marching orders for lashing out at Leonardo Bonucci.

Tancredi Palmeri of beIN Sports thought the dismissal was a harsh one for the Armenia goalscorer: 

In the early stages of the second half, it was actually Armenia who carried the greater threat, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan posing numerous issues for the Azzurri on the counter.

At the other end, Italy toiled in their attempts to find a way through the 10 men, with Roberto Mancini calling on Pellegrini and Stefano Sensi from the bench to swing the game back in their favour. With the clock ticking down, it was the former who made the difference.

Bonucci produced a fine cross from the right flank and Pellegrini timed his run into the penalty area perfectly, steering home a header from close range.

At this point, Armenian shoulders were slumped and a stroke of misfortunate a couple of minutes later killed off any slender hopes they had of taking a point.

Belotti was able to wriggle free in the penalty area before slamming his shot onto the post; unfortunately for the home side, it ricocheted off Beglaryan's head and over the line, giving the visitors a crucial two-goal advantage.

What's next?

Both teams are in action again on Sunday. Italy take on Finland away from home. After impressing in spells on Thursday, Armenia will be back in action in front of their own supporters against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Algeria crowned themselves champions of Africa on Saturday, beating Senegal 1-0 during the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Baghdad Bounedjah opened the scoring in less than two minutes with a deflected effort, and the Desert Foxes expertly defended their lead in the first half, barely giving away any chances. Senegal improved after the break, but Algeria's defensive strength won out.

The final was a rematch of their group-stage clash, which Algeria won 1-0. It's Algeria's second title, after the 1990 triumph.

Algeria had the perfect start to the contest, and a lucky bounce gave them the lead inside the first 80 seconds. Bounedjah's shot took the strangest deflection, looping over goalkeeper Alfred Gomis and into the net.

He picked a great time to rediscover his shooting boots:

The massive setback shocked Senegal, who needed some time to recover and start building momentum. Sadio Mane was predictably at the heart of their attacks, but he was surrounded by three players whenever he came near the ball.

M'Baye Niang was the main danger man, and he went close on two occasions. The first shot was saved by Rais M'Bolhi, but it was the second effort that really worried the Desert Foxes, narrowly missing the target.

Chances were rare, but what the match lacked in openings, it made up for in drama. Shortly before the half-time whistle blew, Mehdi Zeffane made contact with Ismaila Sarr, but no penalty was given.

Sportswriter Tomas Danicek thought the defender got lucky:

And the drama didn't end there. As the teams made their way to the sidelines for half-time, the sides clashed, with officials quick to intervene.

Algeria's defensive fortitude continued to be on full display early in the second half, although Mane finally found some space for his first dangerous shot after 57 minutes. 

And just three minutes later, the video assistant provided the next bit of drama. Senegal were awarded a penalty for an apparent hand ball after Sarr's cross, but the VAR overturned the decision. This fan was ecstatic:

Niang wasted a rare good chance, taking the ball too wide as he rounded the goalkeeper and firing into the side netting. Youssouf Sabaly also tried his luck, but M'Bolhi made an excellent save.

Senegal gambled late by bringing on Keita Balde, but Algeria did a fine job controlling the pace in the final minutes. Riyad Mahrez played a key role by drawing several fouls, making up for some struggles in the first half.

Jamaica advanced to the semifinals of the 2019 Gold Cup for the third straight time, defeating Panama 1-0 on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Darren Mattocks converted a penalty in the 75th minute for the only goal of the game.

It was a tough decision for Panama, as Mattocks headed the ball onto the hand of Panama defender Michael Murillo.

The Reggae Boyz now await the winner of the United States and Curacao quarterfinal. They'll return to action Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee.

Following Mexico's 5-4 victory over Costa Rica in a penalty shootout Saturday, El Tri coach Tata Martino criticized the absence of video assistant referee in the Gold Cup.

"It is impossible with the technology there is today and with VAR used in Mexico and in the United States that there isn't VAR in this tournament," he said, per ESPN FC's Tom Marshall. "In the Copa America they stop the game 200 times for VAR; they've pulled back four goals because of VAR, and we don't have VAR."

With the benefit of VAR, Mexican defender Luis Rodriguez almost certainly doesn't concede a penalty in the 51st minute. A day later, the same is probably true for Murillo.

Murillo's arm wasn't in an unnatural position as he was leaping in the air to compete with Mattocks for the ball. Then he had no time to react once the ball came off the Jamaican forward.

Beyond just the penalty, Panama will come away frustrated with the fact it had 61 percent of possession yet managed only two shots on target, per ESPN FC.

Los Canaleros coach Julio Dely Valdes knew exactly how Jamaica was going to approach this match. Jamaica had four goals in the group stage, three of which came in its win over Honduras. Although Leon Bailey gives the Reggae Boyz a creative presence out wide, they're still a work in progress in the attacking third.

Panama simply couldn't find the breakthrough against Jamaica's defense. As a result, it's exiting in the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup for the second consecutive tournament.

Haiti is on to the semifinals at the 2019 Gold Cup after pulling off a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Canada in the quarterfinals at NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday.

This marks the first time Haiti has ever advanced to the Gold Cup semifinals.

After being held scoreless in the first half, Haiti scored three times during a 26-minute span in the second half to rally from a two-goal deficit. It was a Wilde-Donald Guerrier goal in the 76th minute that proved to be the difference.

Jonathan David and Lucas Cavallini each scored for Canada.

It was a tale of two halves in Houston.

This match was all Canada early on, as the Red and White were the only squad to get on the board in the opening 45-plus minutes. And the tone was set early on in the 18th minute by none other than David, who delivered a strong strike.

It marked David's Gold Cup-leading sixth goal of the tournament.

David has now scored in three of his team's four Gold Cup matches, with the lone exception coming during a 3-1 loss to Mexico during group play. Canada had been 2-0 during the tournament when he scores.

Canada doubled its lead midway through the first half.

After being held scoreless in the opener against Martinique, Cavallini has now scored in three consecutive matches. His five goals in the tournament is good for second, trailing his teammate, David, by one.

It appeared as though Canada was well on its way to the semis as it took a two-goal lead into the locker rooms—and then the second half happened.

Haiti managed to cut the deficit in half just moments after the break, thanks to some help from Canada.

That proved to be a critical moment in this match, as it served as a momentum-changer.

Haiti later evened the score in the 70th as Herve Bazile buried a penalty kick.

Moments later, Haiti would move ahead for the first time. Responsible for his team's first goal, it was only fitting that Duckens Nazon had a hand in the game-winner. Nazon set up Guerrier in the 76th minute by sneaking a pass through a pair of defenders, and Guerrier managed to beat Canada keeper Milan Borjan with a wild finish.

Just like that, an 0-2 hole became a 3-2 lead.

It appeared as though Canada had found a late equalizer, but an offside call wiped the goal off the board. With that, Haiti was able to hold on for the victory.

Haiti has now found the back of the net nine times en route to a perfect 4-0-0 record at the 2019 Gold Cup, scoring two or more goals in each match. Seven of its nine goals have come during the second half of games.

What's Next?

Haiti will face the Mexico-Costa Rica winner in the semifinals on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Hosts Italy beat Belgium 3-1 at the 2019 UEFA Under-21 European Championship on Saturday thanks to goals from Nicolo Barella, Patrick Cutrone and Federico Chiesa.

Cagliari midfielder Barella made up for missing a free header early on by sweeping Italy ahead with a low shot across goal just before half-time.

The Azzurrini doubled their lead within 10 minutes of the restart when Lorenzo Pellegrini whipped in a cross from the left for Cutrone to direct a superb header past goalkeeper Ortwin De Wolf.

Belgium pulled one back late on through a brilliant curling effort from 17-year-old midfielder Yari Verschaeren, but Chiesa smashed Italy's third into the top corner with just minutes remaining to seal the win.

Italy manager Luigi Di Biagio named a strong team for the match but left Juventus forward Moise Kean on the bench with Manuel Locatelli coming into his starting XI:

The hosts started well and ought to have opened the scoring after six minutes. Giuseppe Pezzella fired in a low cross from the left, but a diving Barella could not direct his header on target.

The Azzurrini went on to dominate the first half but struggled to make the breakthrough. Chiesa and Lorenzo Pellegrini both had chances but could not find the target:

There was also controversy minutes before half-time as Chiesa appeared to tread on Belgium midfielder Alexis Saelemaekers' fingers after he had gone to ground inside the penalty area:

Italy then took the lead right on the stroke of half-time. Barella had an effort saved by goalkeeper Ortwin De Wolf, but the ball came back to the midfielder and he swept home at the second time of asking.

The hosts continued where they left off after the break, with Cutrone steering a header past a diving De Wolf on 53 minutes (UK only):

Italy continued to dominate but could not add to their tally and were hit on the break with a little over 10 minutes remaining.

Belgium's 17-year-old midfielder Verschaeren cut in from the left and curled a brilliant effort into the top corner from just outside the penalty area.

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Italy hit back by sealing the victory late on through Chiesa. He smashed a shot into the top corner from just inside the penalty area after picking up a fine crossfield pass from Sandro Tonali.

Belgium then finished the game with 10 men, as Isaac Mbenza picked up a second yellow card in stoppage time for a late challenge on Chiesa.

What's Next?

Saturday's result means Spain top Group A and progress to the semi-finals following their 5-0 win over Poland. Italy finish second and will have to wait to see if they qualify as the best runner-up from the tournament's three groups, while Belgium exit the competition. 

The United States completed their perfect run through the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup group stage after they defeated Sweden 2-0 on Thursday as the opening round closed.

The Stars and Stripes will take on Spain in the next stage of their title defence, while Sweden will attempt to steer their campaign back on track against Group E runners-up Canada.

Chile beat Thailand 2-0 but couldn't make up the necessary goal advantage to advance further in the competition despite ending their maiden Women's World Cup appearance with their first win.

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The Netherlands edged Canada 2-1 earlier in the day to top Group E, and they'll face Japan in the last of the last 16. Cameroon beat New Zealand by the same score to clinch their place in the last 16 as one of the best third-place finishers.

The round-of-16 schedule will throw up a host of top-level encounters, including what promises to be a classic between Brazil and hosts France.

Round-of-16 Schedule

Saturday, June 22

Germany vs. Nigeria, 4:30 p.m. BST/11:30 a.m. ET, BBC Two (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Norway vs. Australia, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, BBC Two (UK), Fox (U.S.)

Sunday, June 23

England vs. Cameroon, 4:30 p.m. BST/11:30 a.m. ET, BBC Two (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

France vs. Brazil, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, BBC red button (UK), Fox (U.S.)

Monday, June 24

Spain vs. United States, 5 p.m. BST/12 p.m. ET, BBC Two (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Sweden vs. Canada, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, BBC red button (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Tuesday, June 25

Italy vs. China, 5 p.m. BST/12 p.m. ET, BBC Two (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Netherlands vs. Japan, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, BBC red button (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Preview

The United States couldn't have asked for a much better start in their decisive Group F encounter with Sweden on Thursday, when it took Lindsey Horan less than three minutes to get on the board, per OptaJack:

The Stars and Stripes have already impressed but sent a message to the rest of the competition with their initiative on Thursday, a sign they're ready to live up to their billing as big favourites.

Cameroon squeaked by New Zealand and kept their 100 percent record of qualifying for the last 16 in each World Cup they've played in, having made their tournament debut in Canada four years ago.

They and the Football Ferns were each on the verge of elimination as they entered the dying phases of their match at 1-1, but Ajara Nchout's superb curled finish at the final whistle completed a historic win:

Cameroon and Nigeria will represent Africa in the knockout stage, but neither has an easy task on their hands as they prepare to face respective opponents England and Germany.

Die Nationalelf won Group B but will have noticed definite room for improvement in the next stage, and the same could be said for Phil Neville's Lionesses.

France also came out on top of their pool but might have hoped for an easier second-round opponent than Brazil, who were one of three teams to finish tied on three points in Group C.

Marta's game-deciding penalty against Italy ended up as a crucial strike for the Selecao, and the Brazil legend is hoping to extend her reach as the World Cup's new all-time leading scorer:

The Italians will face China in the last 16 while the Netherlands take on Japan, the other Asian country left in the World Cup.

The Oranje won all three of their group games and could be a dark horse worth keeping a close eye on, as Men In Blazers recently suggested:

Australia powered past Jamaica in their last game to finish second in Group C, their reward for which is a meeting with Norway on Saturday. 

Their clash will pit the world's sixth (Australia) and 12th-ranked (Norway) teams against one another as one of the tournament's major powers prepares for the exit.     

Chile will begin their Copa America defence against guest team Japan on Monday at the Estadio do Morumbi in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

La Roja are the two-time reigning South American champions after winning the tournament back-to-back in 2015 and 2016.

Meanwhile, Japan are making their second appearance as an invited team, having also participated in the 1999 edition.

Date: Monday, June 17

Time: 8 p.m. local (7 p.m. ET, 12 a.m. BST Tuesday)

TV: Telemundo (USA), Premier Sports (UK)

Live Stream: Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, ESPN+ (USA), Premier Player (UK)

Odds: Japan (15-2), Draw (10-3), Chile (8-15)

Odds courtesy of Oddschecker

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Japan have named a young squad and are evidently using the tournament as a way to get valuable experience ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Only five players are older than 22, and only seven of their 23 players have been capped at all.

Much of their experience will come from Shinji Okazaki, who has 50 goals in 116 appearances for the Samurai Blue, and goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, who has 88 caps to his name.

Otherwise, all eyes will be on 18-year-old Takefusa Kubo, who has just joined Real Madrid from FC Tokyo.

Scouted Football ran the rule over the promising youngster:

Chile's squad is almost the polar opposite to Japan's, with six players boasting more than 100 international appearances apiece.

Only one player is under the age of 24—goalkeeper Yerko Urra, 22, who is likely to be their third choice—and eight are 30 or older.

Chile will hope their experienced side can take them to a historic victory:

However, many of their best players, such as Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal, are now past their prime. They failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup last year as a result.

It seems unlikely therefore that they will win the Copa for a third tournament running.

Their experience should give them an edge over a Japan side that includes many players tasting senior international football for the first time, though.

Prediction: Japan 0-2 Chile