Having both topped their table in qualifying for next year's Euros, England Under-21s and Italy Under-21s meet in a friendly on Thursday.
The teams convene in Pescara, in the first of two fixtures for either side during the international period; with preparations for the finals slowly starting to take shape.
Match preview
© Reuters
As the clock ticks down towards the 2023 European Under-21 Championship finals, to be held in Romania and Georgia next summer, England's Young Lions face two likely title rivals in the coming days, as they tackle both Italy and Germany in friendlies.
Lee Carsley's squad secured their place by topping qualifying Group G, finishing four points clear of second-placed Czech Republic in June, after winning eight of their 10 games and conceding only seven goals.
Preparation for the Under-21 setup's ninth successive continental finals begins in earnest this month, as they travel to the Italian region of Abruzzo before welcoming Germany's youngsters to Bramall Lane next Tuesday.
Despite taking their foot off the gas somewhat in their final qualifier by losing 2-1 at home to Slovenia, thereby missing out on an unbeaten record, the Young Lions' recent run has been formidable - and particularly in front of goal.
With a tally of 26 strikes from their last 10 games, England will fancy they have the firepower to go all the way at the Euros, but must first test themselves against some of the very best.
© Reuters
While the visitors were eliminated at the group stage of last year's Euros in Hungary and Slovenia, Italy went one step further before being knocked out by Portugal in a thrilling quarter-final.
Since then, the Azzurrini have gone on to book a return ticket to the finals; finishing five points ahead of Group F runners-up the Republic of Ireland, who they saw off 4-1 in a decisive last-day showdown.
In all, Paolo Nicolato's side steered clear of defeat throughout their 10 matches, winning seven times, and will be among the favourites to prevail next July in Tbilisi.
They now welcome England to Stadio Adriatico-Giovanni Cornacchia in their first of several pre-finals friendlies, with a game against Japan to follow next week.
Able to call upon several starlets who have featured regularly in the opening weeks of the Serie A season - including Tottenham-bound Destiny Udogie, Juventus teenager Fabio Miretti and Atalanta's Giorgio Scalvini (the matchwinner against Roma on Sunday) - surely Nicolato cannot complain about his options.
- W
- D
- W
- W
- D
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
- L
Team News
© Reuters
Lee Carsley named a 25-man squad for the September get-together, and welcomes former senior cap Conor Gallagher back into the fold, after the Chelsea man failed to make Gareth Southgate's selection.
While the 22-year-old has struggled for playing time since returning to Chelsea, another former contender for the plane to Qatar - Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe - has played less than 90 minutes so far this season and is still suffering from a groin problem which rules him out.
Recently back from injury, Oliver Skipp joins Tottenham colleagues Ryan Sessegnon and Djed Spence in the visitors' squad - the latter is included despite making just one substitute appearance this term.
Liverpool teenager Tyler Morton, currently on loan in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers, joins clubmate Harvey Elliott in contention for a place in midfield. Folarin Balogun, Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer are among Carsley's options up front, while Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer misses out.
Meanwhile, Italy have called up winger Destiny Udogie, Juventus midfielders Nicolo Rovella and Fabio Miretti, plus recent Inter signing Raoul Bellanova. All could start in the hosts' favoured 3-5-2 setup, but Bellanova faces competition from Andrea Cambiaso on the right flank.
Samuele Ricci of Torino has been omitted by Paolo Nicolato, though, as the former Chievo youth coach names six fresh faces in his latest squad.
As Lazio's Matteo Cancellieri and Leeds United striker Wilfried Gnonto both link up with the senior side, the Azzurrini should start with Pietro Pellegri up front, supported by either Lorenzo Colombo or Nicolo Cambiaghi - the latter scored in his nation's 4-1 win over Ireland last time out.
Italy Under-21s possible starting lineup:
Plizzari; Okoli, Scalvini, Viti; Cambiaso, Miretti, Rovella, Bove, Bellanova; Pellegri, Cambiaghi
England Under-21s possible starting lineup:
Bursik; Aarons, Colwill, Harwood-Bellis, Thomas; Ramsey, Gallagher, Elliott; Palmer, Balogun, Gordon
We say: Italy Under-21s 2-2 England Under-21s
After racking up 45 goals between them in European Championship qualifying, neither side lacks for confidence in the final third - and both squads will benefit from some in-form call-ups this month. Therefore, a score draw could be on the cards between two top contenders for continental glory in 2023.
No Data Analysis info
Jonathan O'Shea
