Italy and England will meet in Turin on Tuesday night in one of European football’s fiercest rivalries – a game that evokes memories of their violent encounter in London in 1934
It was 14 November, 1934.
Fifty thousand fans huddled into Highbury, unaware that they were about to witness a brutal encounter between England and world champions Italy which would later be dubbed ‘The Battle of Highbury’.
Barely two minutes had passed when a fierce challenge from England’s Ted Drake snapped opponent Luis Monti’s ankle. The challenge unnerved Italy as they conceded three times in 12 minutes – Eric Brook, who had already seen a penalty saved, striking twice before Drake added another.
The visitors, still fuming from the earlier challenge on Monti, decided to get physical. England captain Eddie Hapgood had his nose broken and spent 15 minutes on the sidelines getting patched up before returning to the field as a spate of rash challenges marred the first half.
Italy eventually set about reducing the deficit as a quick-fire brace from Giuseppe Meazza left them chasing an equaliser with half an hour to play. But that’s as good as it got for them, with both sides left to count the injuries from a bruising encounter at full-time.
Perpetrator Drake had his legs “shred to ribbons”, Ray Bowden hobbled away with an ankle injury and Brook was karted off for x-rays on a fractured arm. Reports at the time suggested nearly all the England players were injured when they arrived at an FA meal later that evening. Monti, widely considered Italy’s best player, was ruled out for months. Goalkeeper Ceresoli reportedly suffered an injury to his groin and looked rather pale at the post-match event.
And it all took place in the glorious era when referees were free to submit opinionated match reports. Here's the view of official Mr O. Olssen of Sweden (via The Times):
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“England without any shadow of a doubt were the better team. There was only one side in it during the first quarter of an hour and I was rather surprised when England eased up in the second half.
“The Italians were very excitable. When they learn to control themselves they will be a great side. I had to warn two of their defenders repeatedly, but whether they understood me or not I do not know. I hope they did.”
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It's highly unlikely Italy v England on Tuesday night will live up to this encounter. But if it produces half the drama, we should still be in for quite the spectacle.
Although the players' club managers are probably hoping for an uneventful, injury-free goalless draw.
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