San Marino faces Finland in their concluding Euro 2024 qualifying match, a fixture that holds no significance for either side in terms of progression.
San Marino, despite their lack of points, will hope to conclude their campaign on a positive note by facing Finland.
Match Preview:
San Marino, bottom of the group with zero points from nine games, has struggled significantly in Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Despite recent improvement with consecutive goals against Kazakhstan, they face an uphill battle, seeking their maiden competitive win and a better showing after almost holding Denmark to a draw last month.
Their recent history in Euro qualifiers is bleak, having lost 84 out of 85 matches.
Although goal difference hasn’t been severe in this campaign, their winless run in competitive fixtures continues, striving to avoid a 0-85 record.
Finland, after their failure to secure a top-two finish, will rely on their Nations League performance for a potential playoff spot.
A shock defeat to Kazakhstan dashed their hopes of progressing from a fiercely competitive group, despite a promising start with four straight wins.
The Finnish side, formerly in automatic qualifying positions, slipped after losses to Denmark, Slovenia, and Kazakhstan.
Their recent history against San Marino indicates commanding wins of 6-0 and 8-0, showcasing their dominance.
Team News:
Alessandro Golinucci and Simone Franciosi, recent scorers for San Marino, are expected to feature. The hosts miss Michele Cevoli, Michael Battistini, and Luca Ceccaroli due to injuries.
Finland will be without Marcus Forss and Oliver Antman. Teemu Pukki, who scored coming off the bench against Northern Ireland, may start alongside Joel Pohjanpalo in an offensive lineup for the visitors.
Possible Lineups:
San Marino:(5-4-1)
Benedettini;
Ma. Battistini, Franciosi, Di Maio, Rossi, Tosi;
A Golinucci, Capicchioni, Mularoni, Lazzari;
Nanni
Finland:(4-4-2)
Hradecky;
Alho, Tenho, Ivanov, Peltola;
Kamara, Schuller, Kairinen, Hakans;
Pukki, Pohjanpalo
Prediction: San Marino 0-4 Finland
Finland, aiming for a morale-boosting win before playoffs, is expected to dominate. Their defensive record and recent history against San Marino suggest a comfortable victory.
The hosts, focused on avoiding further defeats, are unlikely to trouble Finland’s solid defense.