England, Italy to Meet in Battle of Highbury
Rivals to Clash in World Cup Qualifier
England and Italy, two of the world's most storied football teams, will face off in a highly anticipated World Cup qualifier at Highbury Stadium on March 24th. The match, dubbed the "Battle of Highbury," is expected to draw a sell-out crowd and will be closely watched by fans around the globe.
Historic Rivalry
England and Italy have a long and storied rivalry, dating back to their first meeting in 1897. The two teams have met 27 times in official matches, with England holding a slight edge with 11 wins to Italy's 8. However, Italy has won the last two meetings, including a 2-1 victory in the 2014 World Cup.
Key Players to Watch
Both England and Italy boast a number of world-class players who will be looking to make a difference in the match. For England, captain Harry Kane will be the main threat, having scored 32 goals in 45 appearances for his country. Italy, meanwhile, will rely on the creativity of Marco Verratti and the goalscoring prowess of Ciro Immobile.
Tactical Battle
The match is likely to be a tactical battle between two of the most experienced coaches in international football. England manager Gareth Southgate is known for his pragmatic approach, while Italy coach Roberto Mancini is a more attacking-minded coach.
High Stakes
The match has high stakes for both teams. England will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record in the qualifiers, while Italy will be looking to close the gap on the leaders. The winner of the match will be in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.
Giuseppe Meazza Tribute
The match will also be a tribute to the legendary Italian footballer Giuseppe Meazza, who died in 1979. Meazza, who played for both Inter Milan and AC Milan, is considered one of the greatest players of all time. The match will be played at Highbury Stadium, which was Meazza's home ground during his time with Inter Milan.