After seeing three Italian teams get hooked up with three English clubs in Champions League play, I was reminded I needed to buy some espresso and tea.
I also thought about the history between the two leagues. Aside from meeting up in the usual continental tournaments like Champions League, UEFA, Super Cup and the now defunct Cup Winners’ Cup, they in fact had a little thing going between just the two of them.
Cue song: Just the two of us.
Just the two of us
We can make it if we try
Just the two of us, just the two of us
Just the two of us
Building castles in the sky
Just the two of us, you and I
It was originally called the Anglo-Italian Cup (and an assortment of other names. It was preceded by the Coppa Ottorino Barassi disputed between the Amateur champions in each country) and it all began in the summer of love, 1969. It essentially was a tournament for semi-professional teams. Sadly, it all came crashing down in 1976 when disco was taking over the world like communists. But it was revived the same year under the name Gigi Peronace Memorial tournament and it continued to be for semi-pro teams. The competition ended in 1993 when minor professional teams (second division) began to participate.
All told, Italian teams won 17 of 24 contests.
In terms of professional sides, English sides hold a 65-57 edge in wins with 41 ties (for CL, UEFA, CWC. Figures up until Dec. 2008.) However, in terms of total trophies (Italy 45, England 37. Spain is second) and number of teams placed in a final, Serie A holds a net advantage over its English counterparts.
Italian teams travel better than English teams too. English sides have a less than mediocre record against South American teams. Between 1960-2004, the Intercontinental Club Cup pitted the CL winners against the winners of the Coppa Libertadores. England amassed a 1-5 record while Italy managed a 7-5 record – which is among the best with Argentina. Now called FIFA Club World, England is 1-1 and Italy 1-0.
I can keep breaking down the stats (and I have) but it will take me longer to input. Maybe I’ll add to it as we move closer to the resumption of CL play.
Nonetheless, whenever Spain, Italy and England match up, it’s always a fascinating watch.
