Ukraine U20 vs Italy U20 - Extra time looms large for European rivals

Eddy Tora

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Last updated: 11 Jun 2019

Eddy Tora 11 Jun 2019

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Identical formations and similar approach should ensure tight match

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Ukraine U20 vs Italy U20 Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips

Ukraine and Italy meet in the first U20 World Cup semi-final at Stadion Miejski in Gdynia on Tuesday. Both nations play with the same formation, are hard to beat and I am tipping a draw at half time and full time.

Ukraine U20 Form & Team News

Ukraine topped Group D at the U20 World Cup with two wins and a draw. Serhii Buletsa and Denys Popov were the goalscorers in the 2-1 win against USA in at Bielsko-Biala to get Oleksandr Petrakov’s side off to a great start.

Buletsa assisted central defender Popov for his second goal of the tournament in a 1-0 win against Qatar. Petrakov rested most of his stars in the final group game against Nigeria that ended in a 1-1 draw.

Danylo Sikan gave Ukraine the lead but they couldn’t hold on. Stars Serhii Buletsa and Heorhii Tsitaishvili came back into the team as Ukraine U20 comfortbaly beat Panama U20 4-1 in the round of 16 at Tychy Stadium.

Danylo Sikan scored the opening goal, Denys Popov headed in his third goal of the tournament and Sikan scored again as Ukraine took a commanding 3-0 half-time lead. Serhii Buletsa put the result beyond doubt to cement Ukraine's position in the quarter-finals against Colombia.

Sikan took advantage of Colombia’s defensive confusion to open the scoring in the 11th minute which was enough to secure a 1-0 win. Denys Popov was injured in a bad challenge in the 86th minute and is doubtful for the semi final match against Italy. Heorhii Tsitaishvili picked up a late yellow card and is suspended.

Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was called up to the senior side which means Vladyslav Kucheruk will continue in goal. Striker Danylo Sikan replaced Vladyslav Supriaha in the starting XI against Nigeria and has gone from strength to strength.

Ukraine had never reached the quarter-finals at the U20 World Cup but have shown solidarity and are hard to break down. Ukraine are priced at 3.10 to beat Italy and a draw is paying 3.10 with many expecting this match to go to extra time.

Italy U20 Form & Team News

Italy’s FIFA U20 World Cup campaign began with a 2-1 win against Mexico with Davide Frattesi and Luca Ranieri scoring the goals. Gli Azzurrini then beat Ecuador 1-0 with captain Andrea Pinamonti scoring the winner in the 15th minute to ensure early passage to the round of 16.

Italy and Japan were content with a draw in their final Group B match and that’s the way it played out in a 0-0 in Bydgoszcz. Manager Paolo Nicolato made nine changes and gave six of his players their first minutes of action at the tournament.

Nicolato reverted to his first choice starting side against Poland in Gdynia, Andrea Pinamonti’s 38th minute penalty the difference in another 1-0 win. Poland had opportunities but goalkeeper Alessandro Plizzari stood strong once again.

Italy were the beneficiaries of another early red card to their opposition in the quarter-finals. Already 1-0 up thanks to an own goal, Mali's Ousmane Diakite was sent off in the 21st minute after taking out Luca Pelligrini.

Italy ended up winning 4-2 with two goals to Andrea Pinamonti and Davide Frattesi's looping header. They did concede two goals with a man advantage however which is a concern for Nicolato’s side.

Pinamonti is very much the main man up front and will be a key player once again. Italy are slight favourites at 2.50 and many punters who believe in pedigree will snap up that price.

Ukraine U20 vs Italy U20 Head to Head

This will be the first match between Ukraine U20 and Italy U20.

Ukraine U20 vs Italy U20 Match Up

Ukraine U20 and Italy U20 both employ three central defenders with wing-backs providing the width. Oleksandr Petrakov’s tactics are a large reason why Ukraine have reached the semi-finals and I expect a cagey match here against an Italy side that employ the same strategy.

Italy U20 goalkeeper Alessandro Plizzari has had a strong tournament at the U20 World Cup (Getty Images)

Ukraine U20 vs Italy U20 Key Statistics

Ukraine U20 are undefeated in their last 8 matches (all competitions).
Ukraine U20 are undefeated in their last 9 matches (U20 World Cup).
Italy U20 are undefeated in 10 of their last 11 matches (U20 World Cup).
Italy U20 have kept 3 clean sheets in their last 4 matches (2019 U20 World Cup).

Verdict

Ukraine U20 vs Italy U20 are evenly matched with both nations employing almost identical tactics. Expect a close match in Gdynia that could go all the way to penalties.

Best Bet: Draw at Half Time @ 1.95 at bet365 - 3 Units

Value Bet: Draw @ 3.10 at bet365 - 2 Units

Half Time/Full Time Tip: Draw/Draw @ 4.35 at bet365 - 1 Unit