Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Italy
Match Time & Date:
08/09/2021
20:45
Prediction: 3-1
Lithuania
After playing out a goalless draw with Switzerland, Italy will be aiming to cement top position in Group C when they take on Lithuania at Mapei Stadium on Wednesday evening. The Italians produced a fine display in their last group game, but Jorginho failed to seal the victory from the penalty spot. Anyhow, Roberto Mancini is doing a great job with the European champions, who are likely to crush Lithuania in front of home fans. Federico Chiesa should be recalled to the starting XI, as well as PSG midfielder Marco Verratti.
The Lithuanians, on the other hand, are stuck at the bottom of Group C, with the team losing each of their four group games. The rock-bottom side are low on confidence ahead of the trip to Reggio Emilia, and they are unlikely to claim a major scalp in their fifth game of the process. Midfielder Domantas Simkus is banned for the visitors.
Highlighted Player (Lorenzo Insigne):
Born in Frattamaggiore, Naples on June 4, 1991, Lorenzo Insigne is an Italian footballer who plays for his hometown club Napoli in the Serie A. Insigne is a product of Olimpia Sant’Arpino football school, but he joined the Partenopei at the age of 15.
The diminutive attacker scored his first ever goal in the Italian top flight on September 16, 2012 in a 3-1 win over Parma. Insigne, who played for the likes of Cavese, Foggia and Pescara on loan before returning to Naples, made his debut with the Italian national team on September 11, 2012 in the World Cup qualifier against Malta.
The Napoli forward scored his first ever goal for the Azzurri in a friendly against Argentina on August 14, 2013. His main position is left winger, but he is used as a second striker as well. Lorenzo Insigne has a contract with Napoli until June 30, 2022.
Highlighted Team (Lithuania):
Lithuania was occupied by Soviet Union in 1940 and 50 years later they regained their independence. The Lithuania national football team played their first official game on June 24, 1923, with the team suffering a heavy 5-0 loss to Estonia in Kaunas.
The former Soviet republic have yet to book their place at the finals of a major tournament, but they were competitive in the UEFA Euro 2004 qualifiers as they managed to play out a draw with Germany on the road. Lithuania managed to beat Scotland in the qualifiers for the 2004 European Championship, but they eventually failed to book their place at the showpiece tournament in Portugal. Marius Stankevicius is considered Lithuania’s most notable footballer as he played for the likes of Lazio, Hannover, Sampdoria, Sevilla and Valencia in the past.
LFF Stadium is the home ground of the Lithuania national football team and the venue, who capacity is 5.067, was opened in 2004. Lithuania play their home games on artificial turf.
Man City 
Everton
Bournemouth
Crystal Palace 
Chelsea 
Fulham
Newcastle 
Aston Villa 
Nottingham Forest 
Tottenham
Southampton 
West Ham 
