Roy Hodgson’s on-form England head to Turin to play an Italy team in disarray on Tuesday. The Azzurri drew their Euro 2016 against Bulgaria on the weekend, as speculation over the future of their coach Antonio Conte mounts. He has come under fire for his unusual squad selection, with ageing uncapped players like Empoli’s Mirko Valdifiori, Sampdoria’s Eder and Palermo’s Franco Vázquez all included. They’re still up in second in their qualifying group, but they aren’t looking impressive.
Italy vs. England 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
The Three Lions head to Turin for this friendly.
In contrast, things are going swimmingly for Roy Hodgson’s England, who head into this friendly having won seven games on the bounce. Unlike Conte, he’s looking to the future and has integrated a handful of genuinely talented young players into his team, with Harry Kane and Nathaniel Clyne the latest to be handed their international debuts. Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason could well follow in this match.
Key player - Wayne Rooney (England)
Wayne Rooney is up to third place in the England all-time top scorers list, and is only a couple adrift of record holder Bobby Charlton. He’s still the Three Lions’ most influential attacking player, and could well prove to be the difference again in this match.
Key question - Will Antonio Conte change his formation?
Italy coach Antonio Conte continues to persist with the formation that won him three consecutive Serie A titles, though there is yet to be any evidence that the 3-5-2 is suitable for international football. It means they can be left vulnerable down the flanks and overrun through the centre, with playmaker Marco Verratti lacking the support he needs in the deepest midfield role.
Match Date/Time Tuesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy
TV: ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), RAI Internazionale (U.S. and Canada - Italian), ITV 1 (U.K.), RAI Uno (Italy)
Online: ESPN3 (U.S.), ITV Player (U.K.)
Listings via Live Soccer TV.
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