Good evening and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of tonight's international friendly between England and Italy in Switzerland.
It has been 52 days since THAT match when the Azzuri eliminated Roy Hodgson's side on penalties in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012, but now the focus switches to the World Cup in 2014.
This evening's match will act as a warm-up for the qualification campaign – which begins in September – with both nations naming experimental squads.
Despite Italy's recent success over England, they lead the head-to-head record just 9-7 - with the remaining seven fixtures ending in a share of the spoils.
Please note that kickoff begins at 8pm.
9.56pmRight, that's just about me for this evening. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for the start of the Premier League season this weekend. Until then!
9.54pmItaly's shadow squad impressed in patches, although they missed the presence of Andrea Pirlo in midfield. All-in-all, a respectable night for both sides.
9.52pmThere were also debuts for Butland, Cleverley, Bertand and Livermore this evening - in what will be considered a successful night for Hodgson.
9.50pmSo there we have it. A really respectable performance from England as they come from behind to record a 2-1 win over Italy. The winner came from a wonderful Defoe strike after 79 minutes, in a largely non-eventful second period.
FULL-TIMEEngland 2-1 Italy
9.48pmEngland have won just one of the last 10 games against Italy. They are a minute away from making it two from 11.
9.46pmChance! So nearly a third from England as Milner advances into the box, but Astori just clears it behind. Meanwhile, we will play an additional three minutes of added time.
9.44pmItaly pushing for the equaliser in the final moments, but England's defence is remaining strong.
9.42pmMeanwhile, another change for Italy as Ezequiel Schelotto replaces Abate.
9.40pmLittle over five minutes of normal time remaining in Switzerland. Can Italy force an equaliser?
9.38pmReally was a wonderful strike from Defoe. Has he just played his way into Hodgson's plans for qualification? He has not had a sniff, but then he goes and does that.
9.37pmOh my word! What a wonderful strike from Defoe as he thumps an effort from outside the box. Just brilliant.
9.37pmGOAL! England 2-1 Italy (Defoe 80 minutes)
9.37pmChance! Opportunity for Italy to take the lead as Veratti strikes an effort from close range, but Ruddy palms the ball away, before Bertrand heads off the line.
9.35pmAnother England debut on the way as Ryan Bertrand replaces Baines.
9.33pmLittle over 15 minutes to play this evening - and I wish I could say that it has been a brilliant match. The first half was watchable, the second has been miserable.
9.31pmEngland have the ball in the net once more as Defoe tucks it home from close range, but Lescott is penalised for a foul on Ogbonna.
9.29pmChance! Best chance of the second period for England as Milner whips a dangerous ball into the box, but Italy just manage to scramble it clear.
9.29pmJust as I say that, Baines bursts forward into the Italian box. However, his cross just would not fall for Defoe. I'm not sure if the Totteham striker has touched the ball since coming on.
9.27pmItaly have just started to take control of the match in the past 10 minutes or so. They so nearly get in as De Rossi combines with Destro, but Carrick clears the danger.
9.25pmAnother change for Italy as Andrea Poli replaces Aquilani. This is the trouble with friendlies! Meanwhile, Jake Livermore makes his England debut in place of Lampard.
9.23pmChance! This time Milner's cross is right on the money, but Abate just slices it behind. England have the ball in the back of the net from the resulting corner, but it is ruled offside.
9.21pmReally bright work from Walker as he advances down the right for England, but his cross is just cut out at the vital moment before Milner overhits one himself.
9.19pmRight, 30 minutes remaining in this one, and we desperately need something to happen. It's being played like a friendly at the moment. Oh wait.
9.19pmMeanwhile, double change for England with Joleon Lescott and James Milner replacing Young and Jagielka.
9.17pmChance! England's best chance of the second period as Cahill meets a Lampard corner, but he just heads wide.
9.15pmCouple of changes for Italy with Manolo Gabbiadini replacing El Sharaawy and Marco Veratti replacing Diamanti.
9.13pmChance! A period of pressure from Italy so nearly brings a goal with Destro and Abate involved inside the box, but the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, Peluso fires wide from close range.
9.11pmHowever, it's a big strong powerful header away from Jagielka - before Destro tests the hands of Ruddy from close range.
9.11pmAnother opportunity for Italy as El Shaarawy attempts to feed Destro in the box, but his cross is just too long for the Roma striker. Meanwhile, Italy have a free kick on the edge of the box.
9.09pmSo nearly a chance for Italy as De Rossi searches out the run of the lively Destro, but he is just ruled offside. Meanwhile, an England attack breaks down as Cleverley attempts to feed Defoe.
9.07pmFirst action of the half for Ruddy as Nocerino strikes an effort from distance, but the Norwich City man gathers possession.
9.05pmSlightly bitty start to the half from both sides as they exchange periods of possession. It would not be a surprise to see this one end 1-1.
9.03pmNice early possession from England as Baines attempts to search out Defoe down the left, but Abate makes the challenge.
9.01pmHere we go then. England kick us off in the second half.
9pmChange for Italy at the break as Federico Peluso replaces Balzaretti. Meanwhile, Jermain Defoe has replaced Carroll - not a great surprise.
9pmRight. The second period is almost upon us. Change of goalkeepers at the break with John Ruddy replacing Butland.
8.58pmHodgson will certainly have been impressed by the performances of Walker, Butland and Cleverley. However, it just hasn't quite happened for Carroll thus far.
8.56pmMeanwhile, here's a word from former England boss Graham Taylor on the opening half: "It was a decent first half but there is still room for improvement. You have to remember that Cesare Prandelli has made all of these changes, as well as Roy Hodgson. In both managers cases they will be thinking 'yes I have seen some good things, but we are short in other areas'. They are both using this friendly to look at young players and that is a tribute to them," he told the BBC.
8.54pmWales are losing 1-0 at the break to Bosnia. Meanwhile, Scotland are level at 1-1 with Australia in the second period.
8.52pmMeanwhile, a couple of other scores to bring you. Northern Ireland and Finland are level at 2-2 at the interval. Meanwhile, Serbia and Republic of Ireland remains 0-0.
8.50pmHere's a word from Harry Redknapp on the deal: "I am sure Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted to get Robin van Persie. He really is a special player and a great signing. I could see him being the top scorer in the Premier League this season and Manchester United winning the league now they have got him," he told the BBC.
8.48pmJust a reminder that tonight Manchester United have agreed a fee with Arsenal for the signing of Robin Van Persie.
8.46pmSo there we have it. A really watchable half in Bern leaves the two sides level at 1-1. A header apiece - from De Rossi and Jagielka - brought the two goals. Meanwhile, England have shown some nice football in advanced areas.
HALF-TIMEEngland 1-1 Italy
8.44pmHalf-chance for Italy as Abate strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. Little over a minute of normal time remaining in the opening half.
8.42pmChance! Powerful strike from Lampard, but his effort is just wide of the post.
8.42pmReally nice play from Young as he bursts into the Italy half, but he is felled by Adtori. Free kick England just outside the box.
8.40pmIt's a serious burst of pace from Abate as he leaves Baines for dead, but his cross is cleared by Cahill. Nothing much from Italy in the past, well since they took the lead.
8.38pmThe final ball just isnt't quite happening for Italy at the moment as Balzaretti runs it out of play. England are on top here in Bern. Yep, you heard it right!
8.36pmAgain it's really nice football from England as Lampard, Carrick and Young exchange possession in midfield. If nothing else this evening, that will be a huge positive for Hodgson.
8.34pmThere is no doubt about it that Carrick has brought a real calmness to the England midfield. He is such a lovely passer of the football. This is anyone's match at the moment.
8.32pmChance! Really smart work from England as Cleverley finds Lampard outside the box, but the Chelsea man's shot is batted away by Sirigu.
8.30pmIt's a really watchable match at the moment with both sides looking to make the attacking running. No sign of the usual dull England friendly thus far.
8.28pmEngland are level and it's Jagielka who meets a corner to thump his header into the bottom corner. One header each.
8.28pmGOAL! England 1-1 Italy (Jagielka 28 minutes)
8.28pmGood football from England as Johnson finds the run of Walker down the right, but Astori clears it for a corner.
8.26pmNo doubt for me who has been the star of the show thus far - El Shaarawy. The AC Milan looks to have an awful lot about him. Although in truth, not a lot is happening at the moment.
8.24pmChance! Chance for Italy to extend their lead as De Rossi finds the run of Destro once more, but his shot is just wide of the post.
8.22pmFirst real effort on goal for England as Lampard finds Johnson on the right once more, but his strike is straight at Sirigu.
8.20pmBest passing period of the match from England as Carrick finds Johnson inside the box, but he is just crowded out at the vital moment. There looks to be an awful lot of room on the England right at the moment.
8.18pmEl-Shaarawy looks really bright for Italy early on as he finds the head of Destro in the box, but Butland makes the save. England need to just settle the match down in the moments ahead.
8.16pmHodgson will not be happy with that goal, the marking in the box was really poor. Now he will be looking for a response from his side.
8.15pmItaly take the lead from the resulting corner as De Rossi thumps a header past Butland.
8.15pmGOAL! England 0-1 Italy (De Rossi 15 minutes)
8.15pmChance! So nearly for Italy as Diamanti whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Butland gets down really well to push it behind.
8.13pmAgain it's bright play from England as Young forces a free kick from Abate, but Lampard's cross is straight down the throat of Salvatore Sirigu.
8.11pmAnother corner for England as Nocerino slices behind his own goal, but Carroll's header is over the bar when he might have done better.
8.11pmJust a sighter for Italy as De Rossi searches out the run of Destro, but it was just too long and Butland gathered well. End-to-end football at the moment.
8.09pmEngland force their first corner of the match as Abate blocks a Baines cross, but Balzaretti is on hand to clear the danger. Meanwhile, Carrick has brought a lovely look to the middle of England's midfield.
8.07pmIt's really good defending from Leighton Baines as he cuts out De Rossi's pass to Ignazio Abate. However, he could not find the run of Young - and Italy have possession once more.
8.05pmItaly have just started to take control of possession with Aquilani and De Rossi popping it around in midfield. Meanwhile, England's five-man midfield has a nice feel in the early stages.
8.03pmNow it's England's turn to attack as Carrick finds the run of Tom Cleverley, but the midfielder's ball is just too long for Carroll. Bright start from both sides.
8.01pmIt's bright early play from Destro as he advances into the England box, but Phil Jagielka clears the danger before Destro fires wide for Italy once more.
8pmHere we go then. A little earlier than expected Italy get us underway.
7.58pmThat is without mentioning how big of an evening it is for Jack Butland. What a night for the boy. Who is a wonderful prospect by the way.
7.56pmYou can't help but feel that Andy Carroll needs to have a big game this evening. It seems that noone wants him at the moment. But for me, he is a real threat.
7.54pmNow it is Italy's turn. A lot of fresh faces in their lineup this evening. It will be interesting to take a look at the next generation. This is one of my favourite anthems I must admit.
7.52pmTime for the national anthem - England first - and we have heard it a great deal over the past month. Special mention must go to Andy Carroll for the best whispering.
7.50pmHere we go then. Both sets of players are emerging onto the pitch. A slightly less tense atmosphere than in Euro 2012, that is for certain.
7.48pmRight, we are just about 10 minutes away from kickoff. What a big night it is for some of these young men.
7.46pmMeanwhile, here's a word from former Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp on the BBC: "It is a chance for Roy to look at the young players. If they play well tonight that will give them a chance. There are some youngsters looking to push into the squad but there are not that many ready just yet. The Terrys the Ferdinands are still in pole position, for me. The younger boys will have a bit to go to oust those players."
7.44pmIn terms of both sides' form entering the match. England have won four and drawn two of their last six matches. Meanwhile, Italy have won two, drawn three and lost once - the Euro 2012 final to Spain - of their last six games. Are we heading for another draw tonight?
7.42pmItaly boss Cesare Pradelli told reporters: "I have asked those who will play against England to dive headlong into the Azzurri spirit and try to prove they're ready, even if I am practically sure they are. We must settle into the attitude needed for the World Cup qualifiers. If after the game I realise that at least two or three lads are ready, then I can consider myself satisfied."
7.40pmMeanwhile, here's a word from Roy Hodgson prior to the match: "This represents an ideal opportunity to get back some of the guys who dropped out of the Euros with injury and also to look at some of the younger players I have in mind," he told reporters.
7.38pmIn many ways, tonight's match is a chance for Hodgson to wipe the slate clean. Despite England having a somewhat successful Euro 2012 campaign - their overall play still remained way short of what is expected. Ball retention will be on the agenda, coupled with the ability to oversee a fluid formation.
7.36pmSo there we have it. Change is rife for Italy this evening - certainly in attack. However, the likes of De Rossi and Balzaretti are in the starting side.
7.34pmItaly: Sirigu; Ogbonna, Abate, Balzaretti, Astori; El Shaarawy, Aquilani, De Rossi, Diamanti; Nocerino, Destro
7.32pmI shall have to quell my excitement for the time being. Let's get back to tonight's match. We have the Italy team news.
7.30pmWhat a move that would be for United. Wayne Rooney in tandem with Van Persie? As good a partnership in world football for me.
7.28pmBREAKING: Just a bit of news away from this match. Manchester United have agreed a fee with Arsenal for the signing of Robin van Persie.
7.26pmMeanwhile, Olympiakos goalkeeper Roy Carroll gets a first start in six years for Northern Ireland against Finland.
7.24pmJust a reminder that there are a host of other friendlies this evening. Jordan Rhodes will be making his first start for Scotland in their friendly against Australia.
7.22pmMeanwhile, England are without a number of main men this evening with the likes of Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Wayne Rooney not selected for the squad ? meaning that a number of players will look to stake a claim for a spot in Hodgson's World Cup plans.
7.20pmItaly have also won each of the last three meetings between the two sides - with those wins coming in two friendly matches and at Euro 2012 this summer.
7.18pmDespite England's respectable record against Italy - they have managed just one win in their last 10 games against the Azzuri, with a 2-0 win coming 15 years ago. The Three Lions can rest somewhat easier, however, with Italy's star man Andrea Pirlo absent this evening.
7.16pmOne man who will not be in the Italy team is Mario Balotelli - with the Manchester City striker withdrawing due to an eye infection. He was sporting some interesting glasses at the weekend - I thought it was some sort of fashion statement. How wrong I was.
7.14pmWe are yet to receive the team news for Italy. However, we will bring it to you as soon as it reaches us. Have no fear!
7.12pmEngland have had to contend with a number of withdrawals ahead of the tie with the likes of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Joe Hart and Daniel Sturridge pulling out. However, Hodgson has been boosted by the return of Michael Carrick to the international fold.
7.10pmManchester United's Tom Cleverley has also been handed his first start in a relatively young starting XI.
7.08pmMeanwhile, Michael Carrick is handed a start on his return to the team - with Andy Carroll playing the lone role in attack.
7.06pmButland, who has not played competitive football higher than League Two, smashes a 124-year-old record this evening. Billy Moon, who was 19 years and 222 days in 1888, had previously held the record as England's youngest ever stopper. Meanwhile, Butland is 19 years and 158 days old this evening.
7.04pmEngland: Butland; Walker, Jagielka, Cahill, Baines; Johnson, Carrick, Lampard, Cleverley, Young; Carroll
7.04pmJust in case you missed it earlier. Here's the England team for tonight's match. A certain Jack Butland gets the nod in goal.
7.02pmIt would probably be fair to state that this round of international friendlies - days before the start of most European seasons - are one of the most unwelcome. However, it is an imperative part of each team's plans for important matches ahead.
7pmHello all! It seems like just yesterday that English hearts were broken on penalties once more, but there's no time to dwell with important matches ahead for both sides.
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