Squad to be announced on Saturday for Italy’s matches against Spain and Israel in September

SPAIN-ITALY. With the first game between the two sides finishing 1-1, this upcoming clash in Madrid will most likely establish who’ll take command of Group G. After a total of six matches, Italy and Spain are currently joint top on points, although La Roja do have the edge in terms of goal difference (+4). With the stadium having been sold out in July (with around 2000 tickets bought by Azzurri supporters) and the match set to be screened across the globe, this decisive encounter will no doubt be one of the most highly-anticipated fixtures from throughout European qualifying. As for previous fixtures between the two teams, Italy have won 11 of the 36 clashes, while Spain have won 10. The Azzurri’s last victory over Spain came during Euro 2016 in Saint Denis (2-0 thanks to goals from Chiellini and Pelle), whilst La Roja came out triumphant during encounters at Euro 2008 and 2012, as well as at the Confederations Cup. Italy do have a fantastic record in qualifiers and are currently unbeaten in 56 consecutive matches (33 of which are World Cup qualifiers). They also have fond memories of their 1982 World Cup success in Spain, during which they beat West Germany in the final in Madrid. Along with Brazil, both Spain and Italy are the only teams to have never lost a World Cup qualifier at home. The Red Fury have picked up 46 wins from 55 matches, (drawing nine), while the Azzurri have 45 out of 52 (drawing seven). As for Brazil, they’ve recorded 42 wins from 54 games (drawing 12).  ITALY-ISRAEL. Just three days after perhaps the most decisive fixture in Group G, Italy will then take on yet another uncomfortable opponents. Reggio Emilia will host the match against Israel, who currently occupy third place in the group rankings alongside Albania. From a statistical point of view, the Azzurri do edge it in terms of previous encounters (securing three wins and also a draw during the 1970 World Cup). During the opening group match between the two teams, Ventura’s were able to obtain a 3-1 win. After initially losing to France in a friendly, this following victory then triggered a nine-game streak of positive results for the Azzurri. The Northern Italian city will host the National team for just the second time in its history, with the previous match taking place 22 years ago (a 4-0 win over Lithuania in November 1995). In relation to the game itself, the Città Azzurra initiative will also take place within city during the days prior to kick-off, with the FIGC and the Reggio Emilia council promoting a number of initiatives. The main aim is to enhance fan engagement, while also promoting the positive values of sport and also grassroots football. TICKETS: Tickets for the match can be bought at TicketOne sales points across Italy and online at www.figc.it, www.vivoazzurro.it and www.ticketone.it. The match will be held at the Stadio Città del Tricolore in Reggio Emilia on Tuesday 5th September with kick-off at 20:45 CEST.
 
Ticket Prices:
WEST STAND CENTRE  Euro   50,00
WEST STAND CENTRE CONCESSIONS  Euro   25,00
WEST STAND CORNERS Euro   40,00
WEST STAND CORNERS CONCESSIONS Euro   20,00
EAST STAND Euro   30,00
EAST STAND CONCESSIONS Euro   14,00
EAST STAND UNDER-12S  Euro     5,00
NORTH AND SOUTH STANDS Euro   10,00
NORTH AND SOUTH STANDS CONCESSIONS Euro     5,00
Booking fees will be added to the ticket prices. 
 
Concessions are available to women, under-18s (born after 5th September 1999), over-6s (born before 5th September 1952) and Card Vivo Azzurro holders. 
 
Under-12 tickets area available for those born after 5th September and must be bought in conjunction with a full-price ticket, a woman’s ticket or an over-65 ticket. 
 
Disability accreditation requests can be made between 1st August and 31st August while places last. Applications must be made through http://accreditations.figc.it/dise/ and users must register by 31st July 2017. 
 
FIGC and CONI card holders for 2017 with a right to place in the Tribuna d’Onore can access the stadium by showing their cards at the ticket office on Piazzale Atleti Azzurri d’Italia. Card holders without the right to enter the Tribuna d’Onore will have access to the Tribuna Est. 
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