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By Johnny Edward.
The battle for early qualification to the round of 16 at the ongoing U-20 World Cup in Argentina will be intense when Nigeria takes on Italy in a feisty Group D encounter on Wednesday (today), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Both teams got off to a winning start in the competition, with Nigeria defeating Dominican Republic 2-1 and Italy outclassing Brazil 3-2 in a five-goal thriller last Sunday.
They are also tied with the same points and goals diffeerence but the Italians are superior in the number of goals scored.
The highly-anticipated fixture is billed for the Mendoza stadium in Argentina and it is the second meeting between both countries at the U-20 level.
Their first-ever meeting was a final Group B game at the 1987 edition of the competition in Chile, where two goals in two minutes from Marco Carrara and Alessandro Melli dashed the hopes of the Chris Udemezue-led Flying Eagles’ hope of qualifying from the group.
And as the current set take to the field for the crucial encounter, head coach Ladan Bosso and his side know that another victory will not only seal a berth in the next round, but also significantly help boost their chances of winning the title for the first time in 13 appearances at the tourney.
“We stayed back after our match against the Dominican Republic to watch the Italy match against Brazil, and we took a lot of notes from there. The Italians have the midfield machinery to outrun any team that is flustered by their pace and organisation, but we will know how to deal with that,” Bosso said.
“We have the boys who can neutralise their mortal armoury and deliver some blows of our own. Wednesday’s encounter will be interesting. We will respect them but we don’t fear any team at this championship.”
Flying Eagles captain, Daniel Bameyi, an unused substitute in the first game, believes the Italians are beatable despite their win over South American champions and one pre-tournament favourites Brazil in their group opener.
“Our next opponents beat Brazil and we were opportune to watch the first half. Any team that can beat Brazil will not be an easy team but we are Nigerians and not scared of anybody, and we know every team is beatable, no matter how you play,” Bameyi said.
Winger Jude Sunday also vowed to score in the encounter.
The Real Sapphire star was arguably the standout player for the Flying Eagles in their comeback win against Dominican Republic on Sunday.
Speaking to NFF TV, Sunday said, “I am ready for the match (against Italy). We need to win the match, it is very important to us. I will try my best to score and also assist. My message to Nigerians is for them to put us in prayers and keep backing us and we’ll do our best in the next game.”
Speaking ahead of the game, Italy’s coach, Carmine Nunziata admits that the fixture will be a tough one but remains confident of another victory.
“I don’t think our opponents (Nigeria) can be happy to meet us,” Nunziata said.
“It will be tough, but we’ll play it,” he said.
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Garba Lawal, anticipates a tough clash.
“Yes, it’s going to be a tough game,” he said. “Bosso was present at their (Italy’s) game, and saw how they played (against Brazil). They are tactically sound and disciplined. They play different formations and systems, and are good on the counter. They have qualities in different positions, and those are the players the Flying Eagles should be focused on.”
Lawal is confident of a victory for his compatriots but warns Bosso’s sides against making mistakes.
“For real, we can beat Italy and Brazil. But we have to be very careful and avoid costly mistakes.
“When you make costly mistakes in big games, you pay the price, and there’s no coming back.
“They know Nigeria is a good side that has produced a lot of quality players over time, but nevertheless this is the time for the players to think of their abilities.”
Nigeria are two-time runners-up of the U-20 World Cup, having lost in the finals of the 1989 and 2005 editions.
