Italy and England go head-to-head in an international friendly in Turin on Tuesday night in a rematch of their meeting last June at the World Cup when the Azzuri came out 2-1 winners.
SEE ALSO:
England vs Italy head-to-head: penalty disappointment and Beckham’s captaincy bow
England Predicted XI v Italy: Harry Kane & Kyle Walker could start
Italy v England: Roy Hodgson planning surprise selection with Wayne Rooney in midfield
While the teams will have changed significantly since the game in Brazil we look at five key battles that may determine who is victorious at the end of the night.
5) Harry Kane vs Giorgio Chiellini
The Tottenham forward scored on his international debut against Lithuania, but Italy and Chiellini will be a much tougher proposition for Harry Kane. The experienced Juventus man is one of the best defenders in world football.
4) Kieran Gibbs vs Alessandro Florenzi
The Arsenal man – should he get the nod over Ryan Bertrand- will have his hands full with the Roma winger, who loves to get forward.
3) Gary Cahill vs Graziano Pelle
These two will know each other well from Chelsea vs Southampton games, the Saints striker is going through a goal drought and could find it tough against a England defence marshaled by Cahill who have conceded just once since the World Cup finals.
2) Jordan Henderson vs Roberto Soriano
When England lost to Italy in June, none of their midfield players were able to get close to Andrea Pirlo, we not suggesting Soriano is of the same caliber but the Sampdoria man is highly-rated and has been linked with a move to Man City according to the Daily Mail.
1) Roy Hogdson vs Antonio Conte
Many were surprised to see Hodgson carry on in the job after a disastrous summer in Brazil, needs to prove he can inspire to team to win the big games.
His Italian counterpart, who took over from Cesare Prandelli after the World Cup, is already under pressure according to the Daily Mirror.