Italy to face Saudi Arabia in friendly next month

Italian players react with dismay after failing to beat Sweden over the course of a two-legged World Cup play-off qualifier at the San Siro, in Milan, last November, and failing to qualify for Russia 2018. (Reuters)

• Four-time World Cup champions Italy failed to qualify for this summer's tournament for the first time in six decades.
• Saudi Arabia will face host Russia in the opening match of the World Cup on June 14.

ROME: Italy will play World Cup qualifiers Saudi Arabia in St. Gallen, Switzerland on May 28.
While four-time champions Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in six decades, Saudi Arabia will play in the tournament for the first time since 2006.
Saudi Arabia will face host Russia in the opening match of the World Cup on June 14.
The friendly at Kybunpark Stadium will mark the first time Italy face Saudi Arabia.
Italy then play France in Nice on June 1, and hosts the Netherlands in Turin three days later.