Azzurri accept Germany invitation
Friday, March 7, 2003
Article summary
Europe's two most successful football nations, Germany and Italy, are to meet in a friendly on 20 August.
Article body
Europe's two most successful football nations, Germany and Italy, are to meet in a friendly on 20 August.
World honours
The match, which pits together two countries who have won the FIFA World Cup on three occasions, will be played in Germany, though the venue has not yet been decided. The rivals have faced each other 26 times. Italy have the better record with eleven wins, seven defeats and eight draws.
Qualifying matches
Italy and Germany last met in the group stage of the 1996 UEFA European Championship, a 0-0 draw. Both coaches will use the fixture to prepare for UEFA EURO 2004™ fixtures the following month. Germany, who lead Group 5 after winning their opening two matches, are in Iceland on 6 September before tackling Scotland at home four days later.
Final look
Italy are also in action on those dates. They meet Wales first in a match which could go a long way towards shaping the final look of Group 9. The Welsh lead the section with maximum points from three games, one of those victories coming against Italy, who also drew at home against Serbia and Montenegro - their opponents on 10 September.
