Argentina took on Italy in an international friendly at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester as Jorge Sampaoli's charges looked to prepare themselves for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Following an industrious affair in Manchester, the South American side took a late lead in the 76th minute when substitute Ever Banega beat Gianluigi Buffon to open the scoring.
Sampaoli's side added a late second too to fend off a resilient Italy side, as Manuel Lanzini profited on the break to score a goal on his first international start and seal a 2-0 victory.
Relive all of the action with our minute-by-minute updates below.
Good evening all and thanks for joining us as we bring you live coverage of Italy's international friendly with Argentina at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. Jorge Sampaoli's side come into the game aiming to prepare thoroughly ahead of the World Cup in Russia this summer, while the Azzurri find themselves in a period of transition after missing out on reaching the tournament for the first time since 1958.
This evening's match up perhaps holds more significance for Argentina as they prepare themselves for a crucial summer in Russia. Sampaoli's side are only going to the tournament thanks to some late brilliance from Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick against Ecuador to seal progression right at the death of their qualification campaign.
Argentina's stumbling qualification pales in comparison to Italy, though. The four-time World Cup winners finished second to Spain in their group, but really fell short after a tumultuous showing over two legs when they were knocked out by Sweden during the playoffs.
Right time for some team news now...
ARGENTINA STARTING XI: Cabellero; Bustos, Otamendi, Fazio, Tagliafico; Paredes, Biglia, Lo Celso; Lanzini, Di Maria, Higuain
ARGENTINA SUBSTITUTES: Romero, Mercado, Messi, Perez, Correa, Pavon, Perotti, Guzman, Acuna, Mascherano, Rojo, Banega, Martinez
ITALY STARTING XI: Buffon; Florenzi, Bonucci, Rugani, De Sciglio; Parolo, Verratti, Jorginho; Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne
While we wait on Italy's substitutes, let's take a look at Argentina's starting XI. It appears as though Sampaoli has opted for a 4-2-3-1 here instead of his usual three-at-the-back approach. As expected, Gonzalo Higuain leads the line up top this evening, while a slightly deeper three of Manuel Lanzini, Angel Di Maria and Giovani Lo Celso will provide creative support for the frontman.
Chelsea second-choice keeper Willy Caballero has been given the nod over Sergio Romero, while Nicolas Otamendi and Federico Fazio start at the heart of defence.
As for Italy, caretaker coach Luigi Di Biagio has welcomed Gianluigi Buffon straight back into the starting XI after his short retirement from international football. Italy fans will be delighted to see that Lorenzo Insigne has finally been given the backing to start in attack too.
At the back, Daniele Rugani starts alongside the experienced Leonardo Bonucci in central defence, while Alessandro Florenzi and Mattia De Sciglio take up the full-back positions this evening.
Further forward in midfield, Jorginho starts alongside Paris Saint-Germain man Marco Verratti and veteran Marco Parolo. Supporting Insigne will be Ciro Immobile and young debutant Chiesa.
Lionel Messi's absence tonight is thought to be precautionary for the Argentine side and he will likely not feature at all at the Etihad. The Barcelona frontman may, however, be included when Argentina face Spain on Tuesday night.
Such is Italy's plight after their failure to qualify, Buffon came straight out of retirement as he sought to try and back his country through a tough period of transition following the dismissal of Gian Piero Ventura.
The country still have not appointed a new full-time coach, leaving Luigi Di Biagio currently in charge as the country continues to deal with its absence from the coming tournament in Russia this summer.
At times Italy were not too bad during qualification in a problematic group with Spain, but what has rankled most with fans was Ventura's approach over the two-legs with Sweden, whereby Italy were knocked out after a 1-0 aggregate defeat during the playoffs.
The campaign was perhaps personified by the reaction of Daniele de Rossi during that final game against Sweden. Finding themselves a goal down, one of Ventura's assistants was spotted talking to the Roma midfielder about warming up to enter the fray, before the Italian responded: "Why the hell should I go on? We don't need a draw here. We need to win." De Rossi was then pictured pointing down towards the bench where Insigne found himself sitting.
Those scenes of total bewilderment were shared across large parts of Italy during that contest before the country ultimately paid their price for such a conservative and confused approach against the Swedes.
There is little that any Italian can do now, though, and the country now has to focus on building towards ensuring that such a mess does not occur again. Tonight will provide a good opportunity for a number of players to shake off some of that disappointment on the pitch.
This contest is perhaps a little more important for Argentina, who are now gearing up for Russia in the summer. Messi has already hinted that this could be his last World Cup and it therefore could represent his last chance of taking his country to international glory.
Sampaoli has only won half of his eight matches in charge of Argentina and the South Americans will hope to soon click in the build up to the summer. The Argentines were rather poor during qualification and are only really on the plane to Russia after some late heroics from Messi.
This game could represent a slight shift in Sampaoli's approach as he seems to be leading with four at the back. Sampaoli has already shown at Sevilla what an outstanding coach he can be, but at times this Argentina squad has proved incapable of adopting his much-preferred high-energy, pressing-focused tactics during the early stages of his tenure. The shift to a single striker and three in behind might just prove beneficial as the coach searches for viable options before the tournament.
Both Mauro Icardi and Paulo Dybala have been left out of the squad and Sampaoli has not tried to hide the fact that he is still searching for a formula in his side. Of Dybala's absence here, the coach recently told reporters: "It's complicated for Dybala to get used to our style. We couldn't improve his performance and we have to evaluate if the current players are better than Paulo or if we have to keep working with Paulo to improve his performances."
Argentina are currently ranked as the fourth best side in the world according to the FIFA standings. The country has made 16 appearances in the World Cup and have won the trophy twice.
Argentina came so close last time out in Brazil in 2014, when the South American side were defeated in the final by a Mario Gotze finish during extra-time against Germany in the Maracana.
Argentina will compete in Group D during the summer and will face Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria. The side will be travelling from Moscow to Nizhny Novgorod and then through to Saint Petersburg to face the Super Eagles in their final group match.
Over the last six meetings Argentina have won three, drawn one and loss two against Italy. The last six meetings have been tight affairs and the winner has never won by more than a one-goal margin during the period.
The two countries last met competitively way back in the World Cup of 1990, when Argentina knocked out hosts Italy on penalties in the semi-finals, before eventually losing the final to West Germany. If you're interested, there's some memorable highlights of that famed semi-final encounter below:
PREDICTION: Right, not long to go until kickoff now and it's time to make a prediction. Argentina have plenty of work to do to find some form and a plan ahead of Russia, while Italy are purely playing for confidence here in Manchester. I'm backing Sampaoli's men to edge this encounter on the basis that the pressure is on them to get themselves into gear ahead of the summer.
The players are now making their way out onto the pitch ahead of the game. Here's a quick reminder of the starting XIs here:
ITALY STARTING XI: Buffon; Florenzi, Bonucci, Rugani, De Sciglio; Parolo, Verratti, Jorginho; Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne
ARGENTINA STARTING XI: Cabellero; Bustos, Otamendi, Fazio, Tagliafico; Paredes, Biglia; Lo Celso, Lanzini, Di Maria; Higuain
It's a good turn out here in Manchester for fans of both countries, we're running through the national anthems and then we'll be underway at the home of Premier League champions-elect Manchester City.
England's very own Martin Atkinson will be taking charge of tonight's game. There are countless heart-moving signs in the stands here with dedications to the late Davide Astori. The centre-back is also being commemorated on the Italian shirt for these two friendly games after his tragic death earlier this month. We'll also have a minute's silence.
KICKOFF! We are underway at the Etihad... Italy feature in white and blue, while Argentina are in a dark navy strip.
Italy have perhaps started with a little more energy in the opening moments. Chiesa does well on the turn just inside the box, but he is smothered by a retreating Otamendi before he can test Cabellero.
Argentina are given their first chance to move the ball in this new 4-2-3-1 approach and they exchange a number of passes as the ball is fed wide to Di Maria on the left, who cuts inside and drives a low shot that is saved down low by Buffon.
Any earlier sting from the Italians has been slowly drawn out by Argentina, who again are moving the ball comfortably around in their own half. The South American side look settled already and have a strong base to build from here.
Otamendi has made real strides under Pep Guardiola this season and shows some good feet to keep Insigne at bay. Italy are able to keep the press up, though, allowing them to win a cheap free kick in a good area when Insigne is dragged to the deck.
CLOSE! It's Insigne who curls in a wonderful ball towards the back post where veteran Parolo scrambles free, although the midfielder cannot guide his header back on target as he sends a looping effort onto the top of the net.
We're only 10 minutes in and we are already witnessing the famed Sampaoli pace. The Argentina manager is pounding around the technical area barking orders quicker than he can think of the next one.
Argentina have just started to show glimmers of a threat down the left channel through Di Maria, this time the PSG winger comes in off the flank to drive a cross into the box, where Rugani does well to come across and hoof clear.
Verratti can count himself a little lucky here as a strong press from Biglia sees Argentina win the ball on the edge of the area, but Atkinson blows his whistle for a foul. A tough call, but some great energy there from the Argentina midfielder.
CLOSE! Argentina get the chance to break through Higuain, but his cut-back for Lo Celso is intercepted well by Rugani who has impressed in these opening moments. The resulting corner sees Fazio win the header, only for Buffon to make a decent save down low. The keeper looks a tad miffed with his defence, though.
More impressive energy from the South Americans sees them win a free kick after Parolo's accidental hand-ball. Di Maria turns the ball into the box, where Bonucci buys himself a timely free kick.
Italy break through Verratti who scampers away down the left channel, before cutting the ball back into the middle for Immobile, but his chipped through-ball finds Insigne in an offside position.
Neither defence has looked too troubled thus far as both sides ease themselves into the encounter. Argentina have pressed well at times and Sampaoli will at least be pleased with that.
Di Maria has been the most impressive on the pitch thus far and this time he comes in off the left again to dart into the box and beat two defenders. Thankfully for Italy, Florenzi watches the ball well and makes a timely challenge to thwart for the winger.
An early feature of this contest has seen both full-backs bomb forward in support for Argentina and that has meant lots of tracking back for both Chiesa and Immobile. Argentina have been keen to put plenty of pressure on the ball inside the Italy half.
Almost a piece of real quality from Di Maria, who just hangs back and turns in a cross from a little deeper. Higuain drifts into the middle promisingly, although Rugani reads play perfectly and wins the resulting header.
Italy enjoy a decent spell of possession just inside the Argentina half, but they do not seem too concerned about making any major movements forward. It's been a curious approach from the Italians, who have predominantly just sat in here to defend.
It's all Di Maria for Sampaoli's side in this first half. Again the winger shows quick feet, but his resulting cross into the middle finds Higuain caught on his heels and Buffon is able to gather unchallenged.
Argentina have been the side with more of a definitive game-plan here as they aim to put real pressure on the flanks with both full-backs and wingers.
If Argentina are to have any first-half joy, it is surely going to come down this left channel. Di Maria is the driving force once more, but yet again his cross goes through without any contact as both Bonucci and Rugani screen well.
That's more like it, Biglia finally drives from midfield and is able to win a free kick around 40 yards out from goal. If anything, Argentina have been too dependent on the flanks in the first half.
OFF THE POST! Paredes is given just a little too much time on the edge of the Italian box and he is allowed to wind up from range. His resulting shot looks to be creeping into the bottom corner, but flies just the wrong side of the post. It might even take a nick of paint off the woodwork on its way through there.
Argentina are just starting to dominate now as Italian retreat further back towards there own goal. Lo Celso aims to make inroads down the left, but cannot get the better of Florenzi, who defends well under pressure.
SAVE! Brilliant stuff now from the South American side. Argentina work Italy all over the pitch with between 30 or 40 passes, before Tagliafico is slipped into space down the left flank. The full-back opens up and drives a low shot towards goal, leaving Buffon to stand his ground and punch the shot away with two fists.
SAVE! Higuain gets slipped in with a tremendous through-ball from Di Maria on the edge of the box, but again Buffon pulls off the miraculous to deny his Juventus teammate with a superb save. The striker should have scored, really...
HALF TIME: ITALY 0-0 ARGENTINA
So Atkinson brings an end to a fairly entertaining game for the neutrals. Argentina are definitely in the ascendancy here and just started to look sharp during the final 10 minutes of the half. Sampaoli's men should be in front, but Buffon has so far been the difference. Argentina are beginning to tick now, let's hope we avoid 5,000 substitutes at half time as this game finally seems to have a bit of rhythm.
Italy have been comfortable just sitting back inside there own half and have offered very little on the counter either. This sort of still looks like a slight hangover from the horrendous Ventura tenure.
The Italians started with a good high press that was befitting of the Astori tributes before the game. That early energy has since faded, however, leaving Argentina to take full control of the encounter.
Will we see Messi in the second half? Highly doubtful, but Argentina will want to at least seal a victory here after showing their dominance in the first half. That could give them some decent confidence going into their next game with Spain on Tuesday.
SECOND HALF! We are back moving at the Etihad. No signs of any changes as yet...
A better start from Italy early on as they win a free kick on the edge of the box. Insigne turns in another clever free kick, which sees Cabellero just about scamper off his line in time to make the punch clear.
WHAT A MISS! Paredes plays a suicidal ball back towards his centre-backs allowing Immobile to steal in and drive into the box. He cuts the ball back to Insigne who is one-on-one with Cabellero, but the striker somehow crashes an effort into the support frame behind the goal. An incredible miss from the frontman.
That chance appears to have woken Argentina up after a sloppy start to the second half. Sampaoli's charges are just taking their time with the ball at the moment.
Chiesa finds himself on the end of some typical Argentine industry as Sampaoli's try to win the ball back. The youngster has had a very quiet evening and has now taken a rather painful knock for his troubles.
Verratti is now starting to make some driving runs beyond the Argentine midfield, but he is soon thwarted under pressure from Otamendi.
Di Maria has seen a lot less of the ball in the second half, but he is afforded too much time on this occasion and is able to pick out a shot from distance. The effort is drilled along the ground, where Buffon dives comfortably to collect.
SAVE! Italy have been much improved. This time a cute pass in behind finds Immobile, who then drills across goal where Insigne is lurking. Somehow, though, Cabellero is able to anticipate and gets down low to get a desperate hand to the ball before it can reach the striker.
CLOSE! More solid attacking movement from Italy, this time as Verratti gets his head up and picks out a delightfully lofted through-ball over the back-line for Immobile, but again Cabellero is quick off his line to make a strong save.
CHANGES! Italy are making three substitutes here. Parolo, Chiesa and Florenzi make way for Lorenzo Pellegrini, Antonio Candreva and Davide Zappacosta.
Candreva almost makes a perfect introduction as he comes in off the flank to flash a remarkable long-range shot towards goal, although Cabellero is once more equal to it by presenting two strong fists to deflect the effort away from goal.
SUBSTITUTES: Argentina make some changes for themselves now as Di Maria is replaced by Diego Perotti, while Ever Banega also comes on for Paredes.
Italy are starting to have the run of this game at the moment, Argentina have dropped from their levels of intensity in the first period...
SAVE! Cabellero is really enjoying his run out here. It's Verratti again who shows some standout vision to pick out Insigne beyond the last man from inside his own half. The striker gallops down on goal and tries to bend a shot into the far corner, leaving the Argentine stopper to make a good diving save to his left with one hand.
SUBSTITUTE: Slightly frustrating here for Verratti, who leaves the field clutching at his hamstring. Bryan Cristante will replace him in midfield.
Sampaoli is starting to cut a rather frustrating figure on the sidelines. Argentina just have not been at the races in the second period.
SUBSTITUTION: Another change coming our way, this time as Patrick Cutrone comes on in place of Immobile.
GOAL! ITALY 0-1 ARGENTINA (EVER BANEGA)
This has come totally against the run of play too. Jorginho tries to dribble his way out of defence, but he is soon tackled and a neat interchange sees Banega wind up from the edge of the box, and his smart finish beats Buffon down low into the far corner.
Italy have wasted so many chances in the second half that you could guess Argentina might just make them pay. The South Americans have been very quiet this half, but have been clinical when required.
Into the final ten minutes then and Sampaoli will be pleased with his side's ability to finish at the crucial moment. Still plenty of questions for the manager, though, as his side have flattered to deceive after the break.
Cristian Pavon has been introduced in the last few minutes, he makes a good run beyond but is flagged for offside.
GOAL! ITALY 0-2 ARGENTINA (MANUEL LANZINI)
A fantastic counter attack hands Argentina their second of the night. Higuain races away with Italy having thrown the kitchen sink forward. The striker opts to feed Lanzini on the overlap on his left and the West Ham man makes no mistakes with an unerring finish beyond Buffon, who he wrong-foots with the cheekiest of faints before lashing in with his right.
SUBSTITUTION: Another change here as we go into the final moments. Fabricio Bustos is replaced by Gabriel Mercado. For Italy, Jorginho is off and Andrea Belotti comes on.
Candreva winds up from range, but he fires his effort over the bar without testing Cabellero.
FULL TIME: ITALY 0-2 ARGENTINA
So the referee calls for full time right on the dot. Argentina have a victory here that perhaps has masked one or two issues for Sampaoli. The coach still has plenty of work to do with his men and they will now head to Spain for another important friendly on Tuesday. Italy were much improved in the second period and caused all sorts of problems. The Azzurri will certainly be looking to challenge England when they meet at Wembley next week. That's going to be all from me tonight, thanks for joining us!
