Valery Gladilin, a former Spartak Moscow midfielder, spoke to a Socialbites correspondent about the upcoming friendly between Russia and Serbia, asserting that the Russian side carries the favorite tag. He noted that Serbia remains a strong opponent, traveling to Moscow with a capable squad, though for reasons of form and availability there are fewer standout players. Gladilin emphasized that Russia has not played competitively for a while, but that coach Valery Karpin has assembled a roster of top performers, creating genuine confidence ahead of the clash. He added that a powerful start could set the tone for the match and suggested there will likely be a solid 11 chosen to represent the hosts.
The international friendly is scheduled to be staged at the VTB Arena, with kick-off set for 20:00 Moscow time. This venue is renowned for its modern facilities and capacity, providing a fitting stage for the first high-profile test for the Russian squad in this cycle.
Historically, Russia and Serbia have met six times in senior men’s play. Russia has claimed three wins, Serbia has one win, and two contests ended in draws, underscoring a competitive balance between the sides. This upcoming meeting offers both teams an opportunity to gauge national-team form ahead of more demanding assignments under their current coaches.
For the Russia team led by Karpin, this fixture marks the first international engagement of 2024. The program ahead includes a home encounter against Paraguay in Moscow on March 25, which will provide further insight into the squad’s development and cohesion as the year progresses.
Looking back, the broader football landscape has been shaped by significant interruptions. In the spring of 2022, the International Football Federation and the Union of European Football Associations decided to suspend the Russian national team along with all Russian clubs. The national team did not participate in the 2022 World Cup and, under current competition structures, was not eligible for the 2024 European Championship. The impact of these suspensions continues to influence selection, preparation, and the perception of national-team momentum as Russia re-enters international play.
As the match between Russia and Serbia approached, expectations ran high for a fast-paced opening, with goals and decisive action seen as likely outcomes given the teams’ playing styles and tactical setups. The early exchanges were watched closely by fans and analysts eager to see how well Russia could apply its strategic plan after a period of relative inactivity, and how Serbia would respond against a host side keen to make a strong impression on home soil.