Italy have the chance to record their second consecutive win in Euro 2016 qualifying on Friday night against Azerbaijan in Palermo.

The Azzurri currently sit at the top of Group H after earning a comfortable 2-0 victory away to Norway in their last match.

Andrea Barzagli misses out for the hosts with a calf problem, while Mario Balotelli has not been included in Antonio Conte's squad. Southampton striker Graziano Pelle could feature after being called up for the first time.

Azerbaijan, who are managed by former Germany coach Berti Vogts, come into the match on the back of a narrow 2-1 defeat to Bulgaria.

Ranked 95th in the world and having failed to reach a major tournament in their 23-year history, Azerbaijan have won just three times in their last 15 games.

Recent form

Italy: WWLLWW

Azerbaijan: DWLDLL

Possible starting lineups

Italy: Buffon; Ranocchia, Bonucci, Chiellini; Darmian, Marchisio, Pirlo, Florenzi, De Sciglio; Immobile, Zaza

Azerbaijan: Agayev; Sukurov, Sadiqov, Huseynov, Budak; Nazarov, Qarayev, Abisov, Cavadov; Aliyev, Dadasov

Sports Mole says: 3-0

Written by
Jack Prescott

Previews by email