Italy vs. San Marino: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

Italy heads into a friendly against San Marino with hopes of building some momentum ahead of a key stretch of matches next month. The Azzurri face the Czech Republic in a key World Cup qualifier and then will take part in the Confederations Cup.

The only question for the Italians is exactly how much they can gain from facing a San Marino. It's a side that's allowed 29 goals without scoring once in UEFA qualifying. Anything less than a blowout victory would be a setback for Italy.

San Marino has nothing to lose. Scoring a goal would be a major step forward for the small nation, which is having the worst qualifying run of any team in the European zone. It will be interesting to see what type of fight they put up in the friendly.

Barring some type of major surprise, Italy should cruise to an easy victory. Knowing that, let's check out all the key information for the match, followed by players to watch and a prediction.

Where: Stadio Renato Dall'Ara in Bologna, Italy

When: Friday, May 31 at 2:45 p.m. ET

Watch: Rai Internazionale

Live Stream: Rai.tv

Italy Player to Watch: Andrea Pirlo

Pirlo is just three appearances away from 100 with Italy. The longtime national team stalwart has been a vital piece of the Italian midfield for more than a decade. And at 34, he showed no signs of slowing down with Juventus this season.

Normally, Pirlo might rest for this type of match. Since he's so close to the milestone, however, he should at least get some playing time. The action will also allow him to get on the same page with his fellow midfielders before the match intensity picks up next month.

There have been no shortage of memorable moments during his national team career. The most notable probably being the 2006 World Cup triumph. Few players are lucky enough to enjoy such a long and successful international career.

San Marino Player to Watch: Andy Selva

San Marino is almost always overmatched. It simply doesn't have the talent necessary to compete, especially in Europe, where there are so many talented national teams. So the Serenissima spend very little time on the attack.

Selva is the one player who's at least had some moderate goalscoring success. The 37-year-old captain has eight goals in 59 appearances for San Marino. His first one came all the way back in 1998 and all but one of them were scored at home.

Scoring against Italy would be a shining moment for the veteran forward. He probably won't get many chances, but all it takes is one perfect strike. Small victories like that are all San Marino can reasonably hope for in the match.

Matchup to Watch: Italy attack vs. San Marino back line

Italy will be without two of its main attacking options. Mario Balotelli is out with a back injury while Stephan El Shaarawy is dealing with an ankle issue, according to the Associated Press. Italy needs them to get fit in time for the qualifier next week.

The Azzurri should still have more than enough offensive firepower to conquer the San Marino defense. Alberto Gilardino has 17 goals in 50 appearances. The match also provides a good chance for Sebastian Giovinco or Marco Sau to find the national team score sheet.

San Marino is giving up nearly five goals per match during qualifying. Even if Italy takes some time to build chemistry with players returning from club duty, they should be able to find the net a handful of times to secure the easy win.

Prediction

Italy 4, San Marino 0