The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona will host an intriguing Euro 2024 qualifying Group C opener between Italy and England on Thursday. The Azzurri, who are defending their continental crown, will be looking to bounce back from their failure to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar with a win over the Three Lions.
Italy have won each of their last 14 qualification games and has not lost a Euros qualifier on home soil since 1999. The unforgiving atmosphere in Naples will be sure to play its part in the hosts' effort to extend that stunning streak. They will be aiming to record consecutive wins over England for the first time since 2002, although they haven't won any of their last four games in Naples.
However, England will be no pushovers as they aim to re-establish themselves as a force in Europe. Gareth Southgate's men have struggled in recent times and suffered a quarter-final elimination in Qatar last year. They will be looking to avenge their loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final and possibly register their first win against the Azzurri under Southgate's management.
The Three Lions have an impressive record in Euro qualifiers, winning 17 of their last 18 matches - with the only loss being to the Czech Republic in 2019. Southgate will be aiming for his 50th win as England manager and will be eyeing a probable revenge over Italy.
This is the first time that England and Italy have been drawn in the same European Championship qualifying group
Italy haven't won any of their last four games in Naples, last winning there in November 1997.
England's last away win against Italy came in May 1961, with goals from Gerry Hitchens (two) and Jimmy Greaves securing a 3-2 victory at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome.
Gareth Southgate will be hoping to finally win a game against Italy as England manager, after drawing three and losing one of his previous four games against them.
Roberto Mancini has called up players for the two #EURO2024 qualifiers against England and Malta
— Italy (@Azzurri_En) March 17, 2023
#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/G95ttaE6zC
Here we go... your #ThreeLions for March camp!
— England (@England) March 16, 2023
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