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ENGLAND'S FOUR PIVOTAL CONTESTS FROM THE MATCH AGAINST ITALY IN EURO 2024 QUALIFYING

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Sports

A year ago

Thursday night's match between England and Italy will be their first competitive match since the World Cup in Qatar last winter.


The Azzurri defeated Gareth Southgate's team on penalties in a contentious European Championship final in July 2021, making it a match rich in tradition and history. 


The Three Lions are eager to exact revenge on Roberto Mancini's team in Naples in this encounter, which will serve as the opening round of qualifying for the following tournament. 


There will undoubtedly be many thrills and spills in what promises to be a spectacular and intense meeting. 


Below, Sportsmail contributor Chris Sutton examines his picks for the game's top four bouts.


LEONARDO SPINAZZOLA vs BUKAYO SAKA 


This season, it has been terrifying to watch Saka and Ben White fly down Arsenal's right. For Mikel Arteta to be a genuine source of innovation for the Premier League leaders, they have been combining like crazy. 


But since leaving the last World Cup camp, White has lost Gareth Southgate's favor and the England team. 


Instead, Saka will be supported by either Kyle Walker or Reece James. Spinazzola, the Roma left defender, will have a busy day whoever takes the field.


MARCO VERRATTI vs. DECLAN RICE 


Despite not having the best season for West Ham, Rice remains crucial to England. He defends the back line and gains control in the middle of the field, though I'd prefer to see him be a little quicker with the ball. 


In France, Verratti has come in for criticism. He was the one who lost possession of the ball just before both of Bayern Munich's goals as PSG was eliminated from the Champions League. 


Nonetheless, Verratti is a talented athlete. He is combative and all-in, and a good fight is in store. 


JORGINHO vs. JUDE BELLINGHAM 


The final of Euro 2020 did not feature Bellingham. A team representing England today would be unthinkable without him at the core.


Jorginho played a significant role in Italy's 61% ball control at Wembley by completing 94 of his 98 passes. Since he is Italy's center, England won't want him to control the action. 


Instead, Bellingham will want to be in charge, and one of his duties will be to prevent his counterpart from enjoying himself in middle.


GIANLUCA SCAMACCA vs. HARRY MAGUIRE 


Italy must select a choice because they are unable to use Giacomo Raspadori or Ciro Immobile. Scamacca isn't West Ham's starting quarterback, but he might be on Thursday night. However, Scamacca will want to make a point against England. Strikers cannot choose when to turn it on. 


Another choice is Mateo Retegui. He is an Argentinian young guy with an Italian grandmother, and I have no doubt that he would feel at home in the stadium that bears the name Diego Armando Maradona. 


I didn't want Maguire to go to the World Cup because he wasn't representing Manchester United, but he didn't disappoint us there, so let's see how he performs in this situation.


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