Homepage > 0405 > Articles

ANGLO - ITALIAN 1979
ALITALIA CHALLENGE CUP

In 1979 Barnet FC took part in the Anglo - Italian tournament. This was a semi-professional competition and consisted of four English teams playing against four Italian teams.

England was represented by Barnet, Matlock, Nuneaton and Sutton United, with Chieti, Cremonese, Juniorcasale and Pisa for Italy.

Two leagues consisting of the English teams in one and the Italians in the other played two games in Italy and two games in England. But we didn't play our fellow countrymen, we played the Italians.

The teams winning their respective leagues then played in a final.

The results of the games are here.

The Barnet squad for the 1978-9 season was managed by Barry Fry (see photo below).

The Barnet teams for each game can be see here.

The Barnet squad of that season are below:

Back row: H.Simpkins (trainer), D.Franklin, W.Leas, C.Hullett, K.Blackwell, D.Brown, S.Oliver (captain), L.McCormack, B.Fry.

Front row: M.Sperrin, G.Cleary, J.Greaves, R.Townsend, S.Turner.

The next photo is the team in Italy (probably at Pisa) with the 'Union Flag'shirts which Barry Fry was responsible for!

Unfortunately Barnet didn't do too well, finishing third in the English league, but Sutton united flew the flag for England going on to win the final 2-1 at Chieti.

The results of the games are here and the Barnet teams for each game can be see here.

Other Photos

Barry Fry

Italian Clubs

Chieti

Cremonese

Juniorcasale

Pisa

Other English Clubs

Matlock Town

Nuneaton Borough

Sutton Utd