Argentina almost missed out on qualifying for this summer’s World Cup in Russia after a really poor start to their qualification campaign. However, former Sevilla manager, Jorge Sampaoli stepped in and helped them finish inside the South American qualification places by going unbeaten in their last 4 games, picking 6 points out of a possible 12. After the qualifiers, they have played two friendlies – a 1-0 win over Russia and a 4-2 loss to Nigeria, they would be looking to get a better result in this high profile game.
Italy would not be in the World Cup later this year. The Azzurri finished understandably second in their qualification group behind Spain, but they spurned the chance of making it to the global showpiece via the playoffs when they fell 1-0 on aggregate to a very determined Swedish side. That failure to reach the World Cup cost Gian Piero Ventura his job. Their new manager, Luigi Di Biagio would be looking to get a job on the permanent basis with a good result here.
The Italians have lost just 13% of their last 15 games, while the Argentines have won just 40% of their last 15 games.
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