England vs Italy: World Cup head-to-head record
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Italy hold a perfect World Cup head-to-head record against England, winning both meetings played between the two nations in the tournament's history. Across two fixtures spanning 1990 and 2014, England have never beaten Italy at a World Cup — recording zero wins and zero draws from two matches played.
The all-time World Cup H2H summary reads: Played 2, England wins 0, Draws 0, Italy wins 2. Italy have scored 4 goals to England's 2 across both encounters, making them the clear dominant force in this particular World Cup rivalry.
Every England vs Italy World Cup Match
The two nations have met just twice at the World Cup, but Italy have won on both occasions. Below is a full breakdown of every encounter:
1990 — Third-Place Play-Off | Italia 90
Italy 2–1 England. After both sides were knocked out in the semi-finals, they met in Bari for the bronze medal match. Roberto Baggio and Salvatore Schillaci (with a penalty) secured the win for the hosts, while David Platt pulled one back for England. It remains one of England's most painful World Cup exits, with the semi-final loss on penalties to West Germany still fresh in the memory.
2014 — Group Stage, Matchday 3 | Brazil World Cup
England 1–2 Italy. England and Italy were drawn together in Group D — dubbed the 'Group of Death' alongside Uruguay and Costa Rica — and met in Manaus. Daniel Sturridge equalised after Mario Balotelli's header, but Italy held on for all three points. The result set England on course for an early group-stage elimination, while Italy progressed before ultimately being knocked out in the round of 16.
What Does This Record Mean for 2026?
Should England and Italy meet at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, England will be looking to record their first-ever victory over Italy in the tournament. Italy's flawless World Cup record against England gives the Azzurri a psychological edge, though both squads are expected to arrive in 2026 with renewed ambitions. Fans can track every fixture, live score, and group-stage result at Bola 2026 as the tournament unfolds.
Frequently asked questions
How many times have England and Italy played at the World Cup?
England and Italy have met twice at the World Cup — in the 1990 third-place play-off and in the 2014 group stage. Italy won both matches 2-1, giving them a 100% World Cup record against England.
Has England ever beaten Italy at a World Cup?
No. England have never beaten Italy in a World Cup match. From two meetings played, England have zero wins, zero draws, and two defeats — both by a scoreline of 1-2.
What was the result of England vs Italy at the 2014 World Cup?
Italy beat England 2-1 in the 2014 World Cup group stage in Manaus, Brazil. Mario Balotelli and Daniel Sturridge both scored, but Balotelli's header proved the decisive goal as Italy took all three points.