Messi and co eye win over Azzurri in Manchester
Kick-off : 7:45 PM (Local)
Venue : Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Argentina are looking to prepare for this year’s world cup with a series of friendlies in March. After playing Italy on the 23rd March, they play Spain on the 27th of March.
On the other hand, the Italians who failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1958 will be out their to play for pride and gain experience for future. Italy failed to qualify for world cup 2018 after loosing to Sweden 0-1 on aggregate in the qualifying play-offs.
Italy after playing Argentina will play England next in another high profile friendly on Tuesday. The Italians are four time world champions and one of the footballing powerhouses and should provide sterner tests for both La Albiceleste and the Three Lions.
Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli has already said that he wants his players to work well with the world’s best player Leo Messi.
Argentina and Italy are tied on the head to head. They both have won 2 games and lost 2 games, while 3 games have ended in a draw.
Team news and possible line-ups
Gianluigi Buffon will captain Italy on Friday night after coming out of retirement. While Giorgio Chiellini will not be available as due to injury.
As for Argentina, they will be without Paulo Dybala and Mauro Icardi after Sampaoli opted to keep them out of the squad for the upcoming games. Whereas youngster Lautaro Martinez might be handed over his national team debut against Italy.
Italy XI : Buffon, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Rugani, De Sciglio, Zappacosta, Verratti, Parolo, Pellegrini, Insigne, Immobile.
Argentina XI : Romero, Mascherano, Rojo, Otamendi, Biglia, Banega, Di Maria, Lo Celso, Salvio, Messi, Aguero.
Prediction
I think it will be a close game between two of the world’s top teams. It might end 2-2.
