Italy vs. Romania: Team News, Preview, Live Stream, TV Info
Italy continue their preparations for Euro 2016 with a testing friendly against Romania in Bologna on Tuesday.
The Azzurri suffered a rare defeat in their previous match, surrendering 3-1 away to Belgium, and the Romanians will offer further resistance to the Italians.
The visitors will also be present at the Euro 2016 finals in France after comfortably qualifying as runners-up in Group F.
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Read on for further match information, including TV and streaming details:
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 17
Where: Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, Bologna
Time: 7:45 p.m. (GMT)/2:45 p.m. (ET)
Live Stream: ESPN Player (U.S. only)
TV Info: ESPN3 (U.S. only)
Match Preview
Romania land in Bologna with an excellent recent record after their Group F exploits, undefeated in their last 12 games, according to WhoScored.com.
They were only one of four national sides to go through the qualification process without losing, per UEFA.com, but Italy also achieved this feat.
The Italians will be looking to bounce back after their disappointment against the Belgians, in a match where mistakes cost the Azzurri a result.
Southampton and Italy striker Graziano Pelle believes his side are steadily improving, and they took positives from the defeat to the world's top-ranked nation, as quoted by FourFourTwo:
"If you watch the game back, there were some good things. We are improving in many areas, there are several months until the Euros and we are here to get better.
Belgium are a great team, but Friday's match could have been a different outcome.
I don't think there are any easy teams and it will be a difficult tournament. Belgium have good quality and are the number one team in the FIFA rankings.
I have faith, as does the entire squad. I am happy that the coach chose difficult nations for these friendlies, as it's better to spot issues early and deal with them. It's a sign of our ambition.
"
Despite the defeat, the statistics showed Italy were close to Belgium's efforts, posting the same amount of shots as the winners:
Italy are forced to make one change to their defeated starting XI against Belgium, as full-back Mattia De Sciglio is struggling with a muscle injury, per FourFourTwo.
Despite Romania's amazing run of form, their record against the Italians is abysmal, not recording a victory in their last six ties stretching back to 2000, according to WhoScored.
However, confidence is running high for the visitors, and the step up in class provided by Italy will be excellent preparation for the European Championships.
Romania coach Anghel Iordanescu expressed his excitement about facing the former world champions, per FourFourTwo: "We wanted a match like the one against Italy, who are one of the best teams in Europe. Let's not forget that Italy is playing a sixth consecutive European championship, is a previous world champion with many great players and experienced players. I think it will boost the team."
Italy's methodical style will suit Romania, who have smothered games on their way to their unbeaten run.
The visitors conceded only two goals in Group F on their way to qualification, but netted just 11 times across their 10 matches, per UEFA.com.
The contest is likely to be a highly tactical affair as both teams ready themselves for the rigours of a major tournament.
Romania will build a wall in defence, but traditional Italian virtues mean the Azzurri will not chase the game, enforcing a chess match rather than a sparkling display of exciting football.
