Italy, Spain set for blockbuster World Cup clash

Preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia resumes on Thursday with European giants Spain taking on Italy in Turin.

TORONTO, Canada (Kurdistan24) – Preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia resumes on Thursday with European giants Spain taking on Italy in Turin.

Both teams recorded victories in their first matches of World Cup qualifying last month. Spain emphatically beat Liechtenstein 8-0 while Italy beat Israel 3-1.

The two sides have faced each other several times in the past, and most recently at this summer’s Euro competition.

Italy was much stronger than their opponents on the night thanks to Manager Antonio Conte’s effective tactics.

Conte has since left the national side to join English club Chelsea with Giampiero Ventura replacing the 47-year-old.

Spain made a managerial switch as well. Julen Lopetegui replaced Vicente del Bosque who led Spain to World Cup and Euro glory.

Speaking about his rival, Italy coach Ventura applauded Lopetegui and said he had reignited the Spanish team.

“I already see a different Spain under Lopetegui,” Ventura stated.

“It is a team with more adrenaline and conviction, aware of its strengths,” he added.

Meanwhile, in South America, Brazil welcome Bolivia to Rio while Argentina travels to Peru.

World Cup qualifying began in October 2015 for teams in South America and the battle for a spot in Russia is heating up.

South America offers four and a half spots for the 2018 World Cup, and only three points separate the fifth-place team from the first.

Brazil hopes their gold medal victory at the Summer Olympics in Rio will inspire their side to finish their qualifying campaign strong. They have collected 15 points so far from eight matches.

Elsewhere, Japan faces Iraq in Asian qualifiers while Korea Republic takes on Qatar.

For a complete list of times and fixtures click here.

 

Editing by Ava Homa