Roy Hodgson has taken his England side to Turin for their upcoming game with Italy on Tuesday, and it will be a real test for the Three Lions. While it may only be a friendly, with no implication on the outcome of either side’s qualifying campaign for Euro 2016, it is still sure to be a tightly-contested battle in one of international football’s grittiest rivalries.
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Like his counterpart in the dugout, Antonio Conte is trying to rebuild his side after World Cup disappointment where, despite victory over Tuesday’s opponents, they also crashed out at the group stage.
The former Juventus boss – who took over from Cesare Prandelli following their premature exit in Brazil – is unbeaten since taking over, but this could well be his toughest test at the helm.
But Conte can take heart from the last five meetings between the two sides, with the Italians having lost just once.
Here is the rundown of the recent history between the two nations:
2014- England 1-2 Italy (World Cup Group D)
The two sides met in their opening group game of last year’s World Cup, with the Italians coming out on top. Daniel Sturridge’s goal had cancelled out Claudio Marchisio’s opener two minutes earlier. However, Sturridge’s future Liverpool teammate Mario Balotelli had the final say five minutes after half-time. That put Italy back in front, and the Azzurri held out.
2012- England 2-1 Italy (Friendly)
Phil Jagielka and Jermain Defoe ensured England’s first victory over the Italians since 1997. Roy Hodgson’s men had to do it the hard way though, coming from behind after Daniele De Rossi put the visitors ahead after fifteen minutes.
2012- England 0-0 Italy (Euro 2012 Quarter-Final)
A goalless draw in Kiev in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 led to every England fan’s worst nightmare – penalties. It seemed like the shootout may go England’s way when Riccardo Montolivo missed Italy’s second penalty. But Ashley Cole and Ashley Young would also fail from twelve yards, sending Cesare Prandelli’s side through the semi-finals.
2002- England 1-2 Italy (Friendly)
Robbie Fowler put Sven Goran Eriksson’s side ahead just after the hour mark at Elland Road. But two goals from current Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella – including a stoppage-time penalty – turned the game around, and handed Italy the win.
2000- Italy 1-0 England (Friendly)
In Peter Taylor’s only game as England’s caretaker manager, he came narrowly close to getting a win against a side that were moments from winning Euro 2000 months earlier. He handed David Beckham the captain’s armband for the first time. But the Manchester United midfielder was unable to do anything about Gennaro Gattuso’s wonderful strike, which ultimately separated the two sides.