Argentina & Italy face-off at the City of Manchester stadium, in what should be a clash between two sides who share seven World Cups between them. 

After reaching the World Cup final in Brazil 2014, Argentina is desperate for World Cup glory. In the build-up to the match, Lionel Messi revealed that it could be the final tournament for the group of players after going so close four years ago, even casting doubt on his own future in the side. 

"We feel that, if we won't win the World Cup in Russia, the only way will be to give up the national team. I dream of winning the trophy in Russia. My wish is to live something similar to Brazil 2014.”

For La Albiceleste boss Jorge Sampaoli, he has made an interesting call in omitting Mauro Icardi fresh from his four-goal haul for Inter against Sampdoria. In his stead, Sampaoli has selected Lautaro Martínez of Racing who is widely expected to join Inter in the summer as a potential replacement for Icardi. 

Italy won’t be heading to the World Cup for the first time since 1958, after bowing out to Sweden in a playoff. Caretaker Azzurri boss Luigi Di Biagio has elected to freshen up the side in attack, choosing two uncapped rising stars.

Federico Chiesa of Florentina who is following in the footsteps of his father, Enrico. Whilst Patrick Cutrone who has been a revaluation at AC Milan this season. Both players are 20 years old, and a strong showing against Argentina could kick-start their international careers.  Di Biagio talked up the prospects of the duo ahead of the match on Friday. 

"I called up Cutrone because of his performances, his enthusiasm and for the fact that he's moved through all the youth teams, starting from Under-15 level, and he knows exactly what I ask of him. Then, there are his goals, which never hurt.

"Chiesa is ready to be here permanently but this will depend on what happens in the league and it will depend above all on what he shows in training and in matches."

Whilst Gianluigi Buffon has returned to the squad after it was widely expected he would walk away from the national side following the defeat to Sweden. Speaking ahead of the friendlies, Buffon revealed that the untimely death of Florentina defender Davide Astori was crucial in his decision to return to the fold. "I am here for Astori as well, it's another reason why I wanted to be here."

It certainly should be an interesting battle when Argentina take on a youthful Italy side in Manchester. You can watch all the action via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.