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Italy interim boss Luigi Di Biagio continues audition for permanent role as he trains squad ahead of England showdown

The World Cup rejects were being put through their paces ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Gareth Southgate's side

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ITALY interim boss Luigi Di Biagio could move one step closer to securing the job permanently with a win against England.

The 46-year-old, who succeeded Gian Piero Ventura, appeared to be barking orders as his squad trained ahead of Tuesday's friendly.

 Di Biagio previously coached Italy's under-21 squad
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Di Biagio previously coached Italy's under-21 squadCredit: Getty Images - Getty

He took the reigns after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

And according to , Italian Football Federation vice-commissioner Alessandro Costacurta will name their permanent coach by May 20.

Di Bagio is still a contender, but Antonio Conte, Vincenzo Montella, Robert Mancini and Carlo Ancelotti have also been linked.

After a 2-0 defeat to Argentina, Costacurta said: "We will tell you the name of the new coach on May 20.

 The 46-year-old was spotted giving his squad a team talk during the training session
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The 46-year-old was spotted giving his squad a team talk during the training sessionCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Leonardo Bonucci is expected to start against England
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Leonardo Bonucci is expected to start against EnglandCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"If we have the opportunity to get someone better than Di Biagio - and I don't think there are many - then we will.

"I think it's more important to think about the players we have, because I doubt Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola would have done better yesterday.


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"It's vert likely thast he will either be the new coach or enter into the staff of the new coach."

Italy were humiliated by Jorge Sampaoli's side in a friendly on Friday, as Manuel Lanzini bagged his first international goal after Ever Banega opened the scoring.

 Antonio Candreva and his team-mates in action during the training session
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Antonio Candreva and his team-mates in action during the training sessionCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Luigi Di Biagio is a stronger contender to take the job on a permanent basis
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Luigi Di Biagio is a stronger contender to take the job on a permanent basisCredit: Getty Images - Getty

And they are now preparing for a friendly fixture against the Three Lions, which will take place at Wembley Stadium.

England kicked off their World Cup preparations with a 1-0 victory against Holland, with Jesse Lingard scoring his first senior goal for Southgate's side.

 The Italy squad will be hoping to bounce back after a 2-0 defeat to Argentina
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The Italy squad will be hoping to bounce back after a 2-0 defeat to ArgentinaCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Gareth Southgate faces a host of non-football related questions before England's game with the Netherlands
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