Italy to play series of friendlies in United States this March

Italy is making its long-awaited return to the United States this spring to play a pair of friendlies. The four-time World Cup winners last played in the United States in 2005. That summer, the Italians drew against Ecuador at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In March, Italy is playing two teams it does not have much experience with.

However, neither of those teams is the United States Men’s National Team. In March, the United States is playing in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals and either the final or third-place game. Therefore, the Italians have no chance to play the USMNT during the March international break. Italy has games against Peru and Ecuador, ironically the opponent Italy played the last time it made the trip Stateside.

On March 20, Italy faces Peru in Miami. The south Florida city has become a hotspot for soccer in the United States with the arrival of Lionel Messi. In the summer after Italy is playing in Miami, Hard Rock Stadium will host the Copa America Final in 2024. This friendly will feature a Peru team looking for success against Italy. Italy and Peru have only met once before. That game was in the 1982 World Cup group stage, where the two teams drew. Italy went on to win the tournament in Spain.

Four days later, Italy travels north to Philadelphia. On March 24, the defending European Championship winners take on Ecuador. The friendly at Giants Stadium in 2005 was the last time Italy played Ecuador. Ecuador and Italy also have experience playing at the World Cup. In 2002, Italy defeated Ecuador in the group stage.

Italy goes to the United States for warm-up friendlies

This pair of friendlies in the United States will be one of the last opportunities for Italy to prepare to defend its European Championship title. After winning Euro 2020, Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar. That was the second consecutive World Cup Italy did not play in. That was the fourth time the defending European…

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Author : Kyle Fansler

Publish date : 2024-01-08 15:43:29

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