Italy v England: 5 talking points ahead of Euro 2024 qualifier

Mancini has already said he wants to win the game as a tribute to his friend and colleague, while Italy will wear special one-off shirts for the occasion. Italy are 19/10 underdogs to get the win they crave.

Kane able to break another record

Skipper Harry Kane drew level with Wayne Rooney as England’s all-time leading goalscorer when he scored his first penalty against France in the World Cup quarter-final loss. He then missed another spot-kick to move clear on 54 goals, with Southgate’s side crashing out to the beaten finalists.

Since then, Kane has become Tottenham’s record marksman and is 17/10 in the Italy v England betting odds to find the back of the net in Naples to take the England accolade too.

Shaw can’t Chil out as England’s left-back

Manchester United’s Luke Shaw was the only recognised left-back in England’s World Cup squad in Qatar. He has shone for his country in recent years, including opening the scoring in the Euro 2020 final loss, with Southgate’s only other options coming from elsewhere on the pitch as square pegs.

"No better way for us to start the campaign." ▶️@BenChilwell on our opening #EURO2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine: pic.twitter.com/POZtQr63uc

— England (@England) March 22, 2023

Now, though, he has legitimate competition in the shape of fit-again Ben Chilwell. The Chelsea defender missed the World Cup through injury but is now in fine form for his club, giving Southgate yet another positive selection headache.

Concerns over supporter safety

A friendly game between England and Italy supporters was cancelled earlier this week amid security concerns. England men’s supporters’ team boss Garford Beck said he received a “very sinister and threatening” email purporting to be from “Napoli ultras”.

The Italian Football Federation has now informed Beck the game has been cancelled after representations were made with them by the English Football Association.

There were clashes between Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt fans before and after their Champions League tie last week, but Southgate said he has no safety concerns as around 2,500 away fans are anticipated in Naples.

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