England's U21s continue their European Championship preparations with a friendly date against Italy.
Young Lions seek to build momentum en route to Euros
England's U21s continue their European Championship preparations with a friendly date against Italy.
The Young Lions are keen to head to Denmark this summer in the best possible shape, as they attempt to land a major international honour.
With their Euro 2011 campaign due to get underway against Spain on 12th June, it is imperative they make the most of their warm-up fixtures.
That countdown starts with Tuesday's clash with Italy, which promises to pose a stern test of England's credentials.
The Azzurrini may have missed out on a place at this summer's tournament, but they remain a force to be reckoned with in European football.
A midweek meeting at Emploi's Stadio Carlo Castellani will be the first fixture between the two sides in almost four years.
Their last clash came at the 2007 European Championships, with a 2-2 draw played out in Holland.
You have to go all the way back to 1997 for the last time England emerged victorious over Italy at U21 level, with the Azzurrini unbeaten in the last seven games between the pair.
Team news
England U21 coach Stuart Pearce has seen his preparations severely hampered by withdrawals, with his squad reshuffled on numerous occasions.
Manchester United's Chris Smalling and Manchester City's Micah Richards, as well as Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson all picked up knocks this week.
West Ham's James Tomkins pulled out of the Hammers' fixture with Birmingham on Sunday, while Bolton loanee Daniel Sturridge and Arsenal full-back Kirean Gibbs have dropped out through injury.
Aston Villa pair Fabian Delph and Kyle Walker are also missing, with the latter included in Fabio Capello's senior squad for a meeting with Denmark on Wednesday.
Liverpool's Martin Kelly was a late withdrawal on Monday, leaving Pearce to once again redraw his plans.
Chelsea's Josh McEachran, Barnsley's Kieran Tripper, Leeds' Jonny Howson and Crystal Palace's James Vaughan have been drafted into the squad as cover.
For Italy, Manchester United forward Federico Macheda is expected to lead the line.
The youngster is currently on loan at Sampdoria, where he has figured eight times this season.
Coach Ciro Ferrara has named an inexperienced squad for the game, but that will give him an opportunity to run an eye over Italy's potential stars of the future.
