Current Form: Italy vs Portugal
Under new manager Roberto Mancini, Italy are still going through some growing pains as the Azzurri still have yet to fully find their footing. The four-time World Cup champions have been in a state of flummox for well over a year now after Antonio Conte's departure, with the nadir coming under Gian Piero Ventura's tenure when they failed to qualify for the World Cup after being unable to beat Sweden in a two-legged play-off. Following that humiliation - which was Italy's first absence from the tournament since 1958 - the Azzurri entered a rebuilding phase, and Mancini has made some missteps along the way, attempting to bring Mario Balotelli back into the fold, which failed to produce the results he had hoped.
Nonetheless, after struggling in their first two Nations League games in which they picked up just one point, they rebounded to narrowly beat Poland and now have a good chance to potentially snatch top spot in their trio.
However, it won't be easy. Portugal have been quite strong so far, despite the absence of their all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, and have six points from their first two games, thanks to wins over Poland and Italy. Fernando Santos's men will naturally look to continue their unbeaten run so far in this inaugural tournament, but they could face a stern test against history, especially considering Italy's formidable record at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
How they rank: Italy vs Portugal
With Poland already relegated, it's set to be a very interesting battle between Italy and top ranked Portugal for a spot in the Nations League finals. The Azzurri, of course, will need to win this game against Fernando Santos's men, and hope that Poland do them a huge favor and beat Portugal in order to earn their berth. Meanwhile, Portugal are, of course, firmly in control of their destiny and even a point here would suffice to ensure them passage to the Nations League finals.
Head to head: Italy vs Portugal
Games played: 25
Italy wins: 18
Portugal wins: 5
Draws: 2
DID YOU KNOW: Italy have never lost a game at the Stadio San Siro/Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Their record at this ground is W31 D12.
Team news: Italy vs Portugal
Italy: Juventus's Federico Bernadeschi has withdrawn from the squad due to an injury.
Portugal: Star man Cristiano Ronaldo will not be involved whatsoever in this clash, as the 33-year-old has decided to focus his energies on club duties with Juventus so has yet to take part in Portugal's Nations League campaign this season.
Veteran defender Pepe will miss this game due to suspension, while Everton midfielder Andre Gomes is out as a result of an injury.
TV Channels and Broadcasts
In the USA, tune into Italy vs Portugal on Univision Deportes En Vivo, Univision NOW, UniMás and ESPN+.
Fans in Italy unable to make it to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza can catch the Azzurri in action against EURO 2016 champions Portugal on RAI Uno and RAI Play.
In Portugal, the game will be shown on RTP 1, RTP Play, and Sport TV1.
In the UK, your options to watch Italy vs Portugal will be SKY GO Extra and Sky Sports Football.
Live elsewhere? Here are your options to view Italy vs Portugal:
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
