England unchanged, Italy switch three

KIEV (AFP) –

English head coach Roy Hodgson takes part in a training session, on June 22. Hodgson named an unchanged side here Sunday for his team’s Euro 2012 quarter-final against Italy.

England manager Roy Hodgson named an unchanged side here Sunday for his team’s Euro 2012 quarter-final against Italy.

Hodgson kept faith with the starting line-up from last Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Ukraine as England aimed to reach the semi-finals of a major tournament for the first time in 16 years.

England captain Steven Gerrard resumes his partnership with Scott Parker in central midfield while Hodgson once again opted for James Milner and Ashley Young on the flanks. Wayne Rooney was paired with Danny Welbeck in attack.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli meanwhile made three changes to his side with Riccardo Montolivo replacing Thiago Motta, Leonardo Bonucci coming in for Giorgio Chiellini and Mario Balotelli starting in place of Antonio Di Natale.

Motta and Chiellini had both been suffering from hamstring problems while Balotelli impressed after coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Ireland.

Teams

England (4-4-2)

Joe Hart; Glen Johnson, John Terry, Joleon Lescott, Ashley Cole; James Milner, Scott Parker, Steven Gerrard (capt), Ashley Young; Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck

Coach: Roy Hodgson

Italy (4-3-1-2)

Gianluigi Buffon (capt); Ignazio Abate, Andrea Barzagli, Leonadro Bonucci, Federico Balzaretti; Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, Daniele De Rossi; Riccardo Montolivo; Mario Balotelli, Antonio Cassano

Coach: Cesare Prandelli

Referee: Pedro Proenca (POR)