Preview: Old rivalry will take center stage, with two key figures missing out
Italy and Argentina used to be a big rivalry, but considering they have not locked horns in over a decade, that flame may have burned out. Their last meeting came in a friendly in 1991 when the Albiceleste defeated Italy 2-1. Having been eliminated by Argentina a year earlier at the 1990 World Cup, the Azzurri can now try to seek revenge.
Much to the disappointment of the spectators, Lionel Messi and Mario Balotelli will likely miss this match. Missing these two in a match like this was like missing Maradona, but regardless of their absence, this match should be one of the more interesting matches to be played on Wednesday.
The Albiceleste will take on Paraguay in their next qualification match, making Wednesday's friendly a good challenge.
Cesare Prandelli's side will more than likely give Argentina a tough time, but having lost two of their previous three matches, confidence in the Italian camp may be running low.
Losses to Spain and Brazil in the Confederations Cup were not completely shocking results, but Italian fans may have expected more from their squad. For that reason, and with the absence of Balotelli, Prandelli has decided to recall Argentina born striker Pablo Osvaldo.
He had been left out of the squad after publicly criticizing then Roma manager Aurelio Andreazzoli on Twitter, but Prandelli appears to be ready to put that behind him.
Three other surprises in Prandelli's squad are Marco Verratti from PSG, Alessandro Florenzi from Roma, and Napoli's young star Lorenzo Insigne.
This new look Italian side will be relieved they will not have to line up against Messi, but make no mistake about it, Alejandro Sabella's side will want to continue their unbeaten run.
With three draws from their last four, the South Americans will need Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain and even Erik Lamela to put in a solid performance, in Messi's absence.
Argentina has more than enough talent at their disposal to put on a great performance without their captain, but everyone will need to make a solid contribution. Italy will be no push over, and with Prandelli's new tactics and style of play bringing them more offensive consistency, fans could be in for a high scoring match.
Where to watch the match - live stream, start time, TV channels
Watch Italy vs Argentina live:
In the USA at 14:40 ET on: Univision Deportes, RAI Internazionale
Viewers in Africa can watch the match on Al Jazeera Sport HD3. If you are outside of these viewing areas, check the match page for full TV listings.
