Following a dramatic Euro 2020 final last summer, England and Italy played out a goalless draw on matchday three of the Nations League.
The teams go head-to-head again on matchday five in what is a must-win for the Three Lions as they look to avoid relegation.
Gareth Southgate’s team collected just two points from their first four fixtures, and must avoid defeat on Friday to stand a chance of staying in League A.
Italy have only five points on the board and will be at considerable risk of the drop if they lose this one.
Winner: England
England can attribute their poor form in the summer to fatigue and experimentation from Southgate. Players are fiercely motivated in this international break, knowing World Cup selection is just around the corner.
Where a lack of energy was an issue across the first four Nations League matches, the players are now in rhythm after several weeks of the new season.
Italy have won just twice in their last nine matches as they look to usher in a new era following their Euros win. Marco Verratti’s absence will make it harder to control the midfield.
Anytime Goalscorer: Harry Kane
Harry Kane scored just once in the last international break, but he brings great form into this fixture, having scored six goals in seven Premier League starts this term.
While Southgate rested Kane against Italy in the summer, such a decision is unlikely here with the Three Lions trying to avoid relegation.
Kane is closing in on Wayne Rooney’s record and will be confident of taking a step closer against an Italy defence which conceded five last time out.
Away Goals: Over 1.5
Italy have conceded two to Turkey, three to Argentina and five to Germany in 2022. England might have failed to score at Wembley, but this Italian back line is far from impenetrable.
Kane is in form and Raheem Sterling has already scored four goals for Chelsea.
Italy have leaked goals against elite opposition, and England have an attack which can expose any frailties.
All odds are subject to change