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Italy national football team
International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
England national football team

1-1

Pelle (29')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Townsend (79')

Preview: Italy vs. England

Sports Mole looks ahead to the all-European international friendly between Italy and England in Turin.

As far as bogey teams go, the Italians would be high up on England's list.

The Three Lions have won just two of their last 12 meetings with their European counterparts, losing on eight occasions. Furthermore, two of those defeats have been suffered in the most recent World Cup and European Championships.

However, there is a belief that if Roy Hodgson's men are to pick up a rare victory over Italy, they will not get many better chances than on Tuesday evening in Turin.

Despite being unbeaten from his seven games at the helm, head coach Antonio Conte has faced plenty of scrutiny, with some reports having suggested that he is not completely content in the role.

One thing is for certain, the former Juventus boss does not have a vintage pool of Italian players to select from at present - something that has not been helped by injuries.

Midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio will sit out the encounter because of fitness concerns, while experienced goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is regarded to be a doubt because of illness.

In terms of inclusion, Southampton striker Graziano Pelle could be given the nod, with Brazil-born Eder also pushing for a starting spot following his goal on debut against Bulgaria at the weekend.

In contrast to the hosts, there is a positive vibe about England, who have won their last seven games on the bounce, conceding just two goals in the process.

On a negative note, though, Hodgson has a number of withdrawals to contend with, which means that the likes of Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck and Leighton Baines will play no part.

The omission of Baines should result in a third cap for Ryan Bertrand, who made his senior international debut against Italy at Wembley back in 2012.

There may also be a start for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley and Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, although it remains to be seen if Harry Kane will be given his full debut.

That will be dependent on the formation deployed by Hodgson, with some suggestions that he may opt for a 4-5-1, which if proven to be the case, would see captain Wayne Rooney feature as a lone striker.

On their last visit to Italian shores in the year 2000, England were defeated 1-0 courtesy of a strike from midfielder Gennaro Gattuso. It was a game most notable for being David Beckham's first as captain of his country.

Italy:

Form in friendlies: WWWDWD
Form in all competitions: DWDDWW

Possible starting lineup: Sirigu; Chiellini, Ranocchia, Bonucci; Candreva, Parolo, Verratti, Florenzi, Cerci; Pelle, Eder

England:

Form in friendlies: WWDDWW
Form in all competitions: WWWWWW

Possible starting lineup: Hart; Walker, Smalling, Jagielka, Bertrand; Carrick, Henderson, Barkley, Townsend, Walcott; Rooney

Sports Mole says: 1-1


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