DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 23: Destiny Udogie of Italy battles for possession with Antonio Ruediger of Germany during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Germany and Italy at Football Stadium Dortmund on March 23, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Destiny Udogie returns to Udine with Italy in an unusual atmosphere against Israel, as the Tottenham Hotspur man welcomes a change of tactics.
It kicks off at the Stadio Friuli in Udine at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.
Udogie hoping for Italy boost
“We know how important this match is, and we are ready to give our all from the first minute to earn all three points,” Udogie told RAI Sport.
This is a return to the Stadio Friuli for the former Udinese player, but really not the atmosphere that he was accustomed to.
Due to the extraordinary security arrangements that are required when hosting Israel, and the large numbers of people protesting outside in the streets, there should be around 10,000 fans in the stands this evening.
“I know that this stadium can really push you forward when things are going well. The fans will be behind us and help us to win,” assured Udogie.
Italy are changing to the 3-5-2 formation tonight, having until now been set out in a 4-3-3 by coach Gennaro Gattuso.
“I think it is a positive thing for the coach to have alternatives, knowing we can adapt to different systems. He will help us to show our qualities.”
There will be a minute’s silence before kick-off following the death of three carabinieri police officers in Castel d’Azzano this morning, near Verona.
They were trying to aid a forced eviction when struck by an explosion, with 13 others injured, as the house was booby-trapped.
