Image copyright: Getty Images
2022/23 UEFA Nations League
League A - Group 3
Matchday 5
Italy v England
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Milan, Italy
Friday, 23 September 2022
Kick-off is at 19h45
England will be desperate to claim their first victory in the
UEFA Nations League when they square up to Italy at the San Siro on Friday, September 23.
The Three Lions have endured a dismal campaign, picking up just two points from their opening four matches to bring up the rear in Group 3.
Gareth Southgate's side suffered two surprise defeats to Hungary, the last of which was a 4-0 thrashing in Wolverhampton on matchday 4.
The Euro 2020 finalists have only managed to score one goal in their four group encounters, coming in the 1-1 draw with Germany on June 7.
Southgate is keen to put the disappointments of three months ago behind him as he looks to get his squad ready for the 2022 World Cup, starting with the clash against the European champions.
"Clearly as an international manager you don't have any games to quickly put the disappointment behind you," he said.
"We have had a long period to reflect but now we are really looking forward to two high-quality matches that will be a great test for us and a crucial part of our preparation for the World Cup. It is only eight weeks until we will be naming our squad for Qatar so every minute counts."
The Azzurri saw their unbeaten start in the competition come to a crushing end with a 5-2 mauling at the hands of Germany in Monchengladbach last time out.
Image copyright: Getty Images
However, Roberto Mancini's team are still in with a shout of winning the group as they trail leaders Hungary by just two points with two matches left to play.
"Results will be important. Anything can still happen in the group. We must try to win both games and win the group. I've called experienced and young players," Mancini said at a press conference.
"It's never pleasant to lose 5-2, but even in that game, I saw positive things. Sometimes you need these kinds of games to improve. It was the fifth consecutive game at the end of the season. Young players have earned experience and we've done well so far, earning five points."
Head-to-Head record:
Matches - 29
Italy - 12
England - 8
Draws - 9
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