Paul Fairclough’s U23 side will be looking to cement their position at the top of the group following on from their impressive 2-0 victory in Belgium last November, when goals from York City’s Andy Bishop and Hereford United’s Dan Carey-Bertram sealed an impressive win in Wavre. 

The Italian’s, who surprisingly lost their opening match 2-1 in Holland, will be looking to bounce back with a win to remain in the hunt for the trophy in this inaugural European competition.

Manager Paul Fairclough said: “I am really excited about this game as after the first round of fixtures we find ourselves in pole position.

“After the last two fixtures against Italy – who draw their players from Serie C - I know we will face a technically talented set of players, but both squads will be totally different.

“The introduction of the Trophy provides both sides now with a real motivation to win the game, in front of what will hopefully be a big crowd, with the region boasting Cambridge United, Cambridge City and Histon.”

The last time the two sides met on English soil, Italy emerged as 4-1 winners in front of a bumper 3,703 crowd at Shrewsbury Town. Parity was restored in November 2004, when Barnet’s Simon King scored the only goal in a 1-0 away win in Ivrea.

In the last two years, the likes of Chris Weale, Paul Terry, Terry Skiverton, Lee Johnson and Darren Way have ‘graduated’ with Yeovil into League One, Sam Ricketts has moved to Swansea City and lined-up against David Beckham for the Senior Wales side, and former captain Danny Collins is now playing for Sunderland in The FA Premier League.”

The England side are unbeaten in their last 7 matches, their last defeat being at home to Iraq at Macclesfield Town in May 2004. 

Kick-off on 15 February is 7.45pm. Admission will be £5 for adults and £1 for children, OAP’s and students on production of a valid NUS card.