Argentina play Italy in a friendly here in Manchester on Friday 23rd March. Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup this summer, but Argentina have qualified, and see this match as an important part of their preparation for the World Cup Finals in Russia.
Argentina’s manager Jorge Sampaoli is looking forward to a great footballing occasion, saying: “Each match and training session is fundamental for us in preparation for the World Cup. Playing against Italy, in a venue as important as Etihad Stadium, is an invitation to a great event.”
Sampaoli has chosen to leave out Inter forward Mauro Icardi and Juventus player Paulo Dybala, but many other stars will be in Manchester, including Lionel Messi, Romero, Otamendi, Mascherano and Di Maria. They will face an Italian team including Bonucci, Darmian, Verratti, Jorginho and Immobile. For this match there will be no Argentina section or Italy section – all areas of the stadium are classed as neutral, so there should be a real friendly atmosphere as the Argentina and Italy supporters mingle freely.
Sampaoli continued, “Every Argentine in the world wants to be there when the national team plays. We are certain they will accompany us for this one.” Certainly Accutranslate’s owner Ruben will not be missing out on the opportunity to see his heroes.
If you want to join Ruben, the game kicks off at 7.45pm on Friday 23 March and tickets are still available, so give the Etihad stadium a ring and join thousands of passionate Argentinian and Italian fans for a great game of football!