Both sides are heading into the match on the back of victories in their stateside friendlies, with the Azzurri getting the better of Venezuela 2-1 in Miami, while La Tri defeated Guatemala 2-0.
Follow Us
Ecuador will take on reigning European champions Italy in an international friendly at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on Sunday. Both sides are heading into the match on the back of victories in their stateside friendlies, with the Azzurri getting the better of Venezuela 2-1 in Miami, while La Tri defeated Guatemala 2-0. The two nations are preparing for the continental championships in June, with the Italian’s going for to Germany their title-defence , while their South American counterparts will be competing in the Copa America in USA.
Today, in New Jersey ⚽#ECUITA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/DWN7sxOVQV
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) March 24, 2024
Italy came out on top versus Venezuela on Thursday evening thanks to Mateo Retegui’s efforts either side of Darwin Machis’ equaliser. Meanwhile goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made an early penalty save and also kept out the follow-up. After failing to qualify for their second successive FIFA World Cup in 2022, Azzurri managed to earn a spot in the Euro 2024 finals courtesy of finishing second in Group C, having collected 14 points from eight outings, six adrift of England, and level on points with third-placed Ukraine but separated by goal-difference. A goalless draw away to Ukraine in their final group fixture back in November last year proved to be a decisive result.
Ecuador, on the other hand, are currently occupying fifth spot in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification standings, with eight points to their name from six games. La Tri secured a narrow 1-0 win over Chile in a qualifier back in November 2023 thanks to Angel Mena’s first-half effort. It was their third victory of the qualifying campaign. On Thursday, Felix Sanchez Bas’ side secured a comprehensive friendly-victory over Guatemala at Red Bull Arena courtesy of two unanswered goals through John Yeboah and Gonzalo Plata. The result extended their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions, recording four wins and keeping four successive clean sheets in the period.
Ecuador probable starting lineup: Dominguez, Ortiz, Hurtado, Ordonez, Hincapie, Estupinan, Yeboah, M. Caicedo, Cifuentes, Sarmiento, Valencia
Italy probable starting lineup: Vicario, Darmian, Mancini, Bastoni, Bellanova, Barella, Jorginho, Dimarco, Pellegrini, Zaniolo, Raspadori
Ecuador
| Opponents | Score |
| Guatemala | 2-0 (W) |
| Chile | 1-0 (W) |
| Venezuela | 0-0 (D) |
| Colombia | 0-0 (D) |
| Bolivia | 1-2 (W) |
Italy
| Opponents | Score |
| Venezuela | 2-1 (W) |
| Ukraine | 0-0 (D) |
| North Macedonia | 5-2 (W) |
| England | 3-1 (L) |
| Malta | 4-0 (W) |
| Last 2 match-results | Score |
| Italy draw Ecuador | 1-1 |
| Italy beat Ecuador | 2-0 |
The international friendly between Ecuador and Italy will take place at Red Bull Arena on Monday at 1:30 am IST.
| Ecuador vs Italy | Key Details |
| Date | March 24 (USA) |
| Venue | Red Bull Arena, USA |
| Kickoff time in USA | 4:00 pm (Sunday) |
| Kickoff time in Ecuador | 3:00 pm (Sunday) |
| Kickoff time in Italy | 9:00 pm (Sunday) |
| Kickoff time in India | 1:30 am (Monday) |
Football fans in Ecuador can watch the match on Canal de Futbol. Meanwhile, those in Italy can catch the live action via RA1 and RaiPlay.
More football news:
Chelsea news: What does Axel Disasi make about his first season at Stamford Bridge?
Switzerland at EURO 2024: A promising adventure full of thorns
European leagues: Which teams are favourites to win the five major leagues?
