WHEN you think of Highbury in the 1930’s you picture the art deco stylings and marble floors, with Herbert Chapman sat in his office coming up with ideas that are were years ahead of his time. The Gooners old stomping ground also played host to one of the nastiest friendlies of that or any other era, when England took on World Cup holders Italy, on this day in 1934.

Secure in their own knowledge that they were the best team in the world, England, along with the rest of the home nations, had not bothered to enter the 1934 World Cup. This enabled Italy to pick up the trophy in their own backyard as they took advantage of some of the spoils that playing a World Cup at home in a fascist dictatorship afforded.

When the Azzuri came to London four months later they saw an opportunity to put the English in their place and this, coupled with Mussolini’s offer of an Alfa Romeo and £150 to every Italian if they pulled off an unlikely win, was enough to ensure that sparks flew right from the off.

England packed their side with seven Arsenal players, as they hoped that a bit of club unity would make up for fielding a young and inexperienced side. The opening ten minutes were to be more incident packed than a night out with Anton Ferdinand, starting with the Italian centre back Luis Monti breaking his foot, leaving his team mates to play on with ten men. Despite missing a penalty England were soon 3-0 up and cruising.



Seeking revenge for their fallen comrade, the Italians began to lash out. An injury list that resembled an episode of Causalty soon materialised, with arms and noses broken, punches thrown and god knows how many cuts and bruises dished out. This proved to be a catalyst for the ten men of Italy, as they pulled two goals back in the second half and came close to pulling off a stunning upset.

In the end, the unofficial world title was not really settled. The Italians returned home as heroes, but England refused to believe the hype and still told anyone that would listen that Assocaition Football was their game.

The English press agreed, showing a level of support for their team that Steve McClaren could only dream of. Dismissing the performance of the Italians, the Times was very to-the-point: “On paper, it looks as though the Italians were unfortunate to lose. Actually they were not.”

Unfortunately no footage made it out of Highbury alive, so in honour of the old boys we’re showing you a top ten foul list for you to wince at. When you’re done there, get your set squares out ready for the man once described as “Pythagoras in boots” tomorrow.

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