Italy need to address ‘real problem’ that cost World Cup spot as England clash looms in Nations League – Inside Europe

Italy face England in the Nations League on Friday night at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Friday evening. Eurosport.co.uk will be providing minute-by-minute updates of the League A3 match. It is, of course, a re-run of the Euro 2020/21 final, which Italy won on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Ad A lot of football has been played since then. UEFA Nations LeagueSouthgate willing to stake 'reputation' on Maguire selection12 HOURS AGO England sustained their form following that defeat, winning seven and drawing two of their next nine games – scoring 33 and conceding just three. However, they lost two and drew two of their next four games – conceding six and scoring just once.

They drew with Germany and Italy but lost twice – 1-0 and then a harrowing 4-0 – against Hungary. The pressure is on Gareth Southgate. In the 14 games that have followed Italy’s triumph at Wembley, they have won four, drawn six and lost and drawn four.

Most crucially of all, they failed to qualify for the World Cup. The pressure is on Roberto Mancini. England World Cup squad: Who’s on the plane? Who’s still at check-in? Southgate willing to stake 'reputation' on Maguire selection ‘Nobody cares’ Ergo, this game has a lot riding on it.

And, yet, the match has barely registered in Italy, says Eurosport Italy’s Simone Eterno. “The mood is low. Nobody cares,” says Eterno.

“That’s the raw and sad truth about this clash between Italy and England. The Nations League is a competition itself that nobody actually really understands. «Further, the fact Italy are not going to the World Cup for the second time on the bounce is a low ebb.