Italy U21 vs North Macedonia U21 Prediction: 26.03.2026 UEFA European U21 Championship 2027 Qualifiers

The UEFA European U21 Championship 2027 Qualifiers continue in Group E as Italy U21 prepare to face North Macedonia U21. With both teams coming off matches against formidable group opponents, this clash will be a true test of Italy’s credentials as group leaders pursue solidifying qualification, while North Macedonia aim to resurrect their campaign. Notably, Italy U21 have already edged this matchup in their last encounter, suggesting another tactically driven contest could be in store.

All eyes will be on Italy U21 forward Lorenzo Colombo, whose keen eye for goal has provided a cutting edge in recent wins, while North Macedonia U21’s winger Filip Antovski could be their best route for creativity and transition on the break. Goalkeepers are vital as ever, but the ability of these outfield players to influence attacking phases makes them particularly intriguing to watch here.

A “hot stat” for punters: Italy U21 have scored 4+ goals in 3 of their last 5 qualifiers, the best attacking record in Group E.

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Italy U21 vs North Macedonia U21 prediction

The bookmakers’ win probability is overwhelmingly in favour of Italy U21 at 84 percent, accurately reflecting their current group form and overall squad strength. Italy’s dynamic and direct approach in the final third, supported by a technically balanced midfield, has consistently yielded high-scoring games. Expect Italy to control the majority of possession and maintain relentless pressure on a North Macedonia side that has struggled for both defensive stability and attacking efficiency this qualifying cycle.

Italy U21 are also disciplined defensively, averaging fewer than 10 fouls per match and picking up minimal yellow cards, which underpins their control throughout matches. North Macedonia meanwhile, tend to concede possession and absorb pressure, committing more fouls and incurring more cards, a sign of their reactive style against elite opposition. Expect this disparity to influence the flow and tempo, limiting North Macedonia to counter-attacks and long-range efforts.

Team Analysis

Italy U21: In their last five games, Italy U21 have shown attacking versatility and flexibility in squad rotation. Their latest performance was a dominant 4-1 victory over Montenegro U21, demonstrating their capacity to break down compact defences. Silvio Baldini’s men recovered admirably from their only group loss to Poland—a narrow 1-2 defeat where Italy created several big chances but were outdone by Polish efficiency. Prior to that, a 5-1 win over Armenia U21 and a commanding 4-0 against Sweden U21 highlight their firepower. Consistency in midfield passing and pressing has set them apart at this level, and with 5 wins in 6 qualifiers, this team oozes confidence.

North Macedonia U21: In contrast, North Macedonia U21’s recent form has been disappointing, losing four of their last five matches. Most recently, they fell 0-1 to undefeated group leaders Poland U21—a match in which they defended resolutely but lacked the transitional edge needed to threaten a stronger opponent. Defensive frailties were exposed against Sweden, suffering a 1-4 loss that underlined their difficulties coping with pacey attacks. An earlier 2-3 defeat to Montenegro U21 and a solitary 2-1 bounce-back over Armenia U21 represent their lone moments of optimism. Under Goran Stanic, the focus remains on grit and work-rate, but the lack of creative output in the final third has resulted in just five goals from six games.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full Italy U21 vs North Macedonia U21 stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Italy U21 the favourite

• Moneyline Italy U21 1.05 | North Macedonia U21 17.00
• Draw 8.70
• Over/Under Over 2.5 1.44 | Under 2.5 2.80
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 3.60 | No 1.22

Italy’s 1.05 odds for a home win underline their dominance and bookmakers’ strong trust in their performance, while the high price of 17.00 for a North Macedonia win reflects a long shot given their poor form and group standing. The odds on Over 2.5 goals (1.44) also signal expectations for an encounter rich in attacking play, and BTTS “No” (1.22) further expresses limited faith in North Macedonia breaching Italy’s disciplined setup. For value, Asian Handicap market and Italy to win to nil bets stand out accordingly.

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Possible Starting Lineups

Italy U21 possible starting eleven

Silvio Baldini is expected to field his most trusted 4-3-3 formation, featuring a blend of Italy’s top U21 talents primarily sourced from Serie A’s brightest youth. Expect Colombo to be the reference up front, with Orsolini and Gnonto providing width and pace. Notably, Marco Carnesecchi’s command in goal and the aggressive yet composed pairing of Okoli and Calafiori in defence should limit North Macedonia’s prospects, while Rovella’s distribution and Ricci’s energy will control midfield proceedings.

North Macedonia U21 possible starting eleven

North Macedonia U21’s approach is likely to favour a 4-2-3-1 system, focused on defensive solidity. Antovski’s leadership will be critical in shoring up the backline, while Grozdanovski and Ilievski are expected to shoulder most of the attacking responsibility. With Bozhinovski between the sticks, expect a busy evening against Italy’s sharp forwards. The midfield will need to compress spaces and keep transitions tight, aiming for structure over flair.

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My take on the Match

The gap in both technical quality and recent results is significant. Italy U21 under Silvio Baldini are an efficient, attack-minded unit with depth and clarity in every phase of play. With North Macedonia U21 struggling to find consistency or reliable goalscoring options and showing defensive vulnerabilities, Italy’s tactical structure and momentum make them overwhelming favourites. My main pick is Italy U21 with a -2.0 Asian Handicap, expecting a decisive win and another strong step as they aim for qualification. For punters, ‘Italy to win to nil’ and ‘Italy to score over 2.5 goals’ stand out as strong secondary picks.

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