Fernando Alonso insists he would keep Lewis Hamilton “until he’s 80 years old” over picking a young F2 driver after the seven-time world champion signed a new contract with Mercedes. Hamilton, 38, penned an extension until the end of the 2025 season – alongside team-mate George Russell – which will keep him racing in F1 into his 40s. Alonso, himself 42, has shown with his seven podiums for Aston Martin this season that age is no factor when it comes to performance – a point he reiterated when speaking to the press in Monza about Hamilton’s new deal. Asked whether age should count for something in a team principal’s decision for keeping a driver, Alonso replied: “No, I think they choose time, as has always been [the case] in motorsport. “I have never seen any rally, Moto GP or F1 team choose the slowest between two drivers. If I were a team boss now and I had to choose Hamilton or the youngest on the grid or a promising F2 driver, I’d stay with Hamilton until he’s 80 years old, until someone shows me that he’s faster than Hamilton. “In the case of Hamilton, who continues to perform at 100% and his only life concern is F1, as can be the case for me too, ‘when someone faster comes, we’ll talk’ but at the moment Hamilton is faster than anyone.” Alonso endured a tumultuous one-year partnership in Hamilton’s rookie season at McLaren in 2007, with the pair falling out as both fought for the world championship, eventually won by Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen. The pair have been rivals ever since but are now on cordial terms as the two elder statesman of the paddock. The duo are fighting for championship position again this season: Alonso, who joined Aston Martin from Alpine prior to this season, is in third place and is 12 points ahead of Hamilton in fourth. Hamilton emphasised after signing his new deal – reported to be worth £50m-a-year – that he has “unfinished business” in the sport as he continues to hunt for a record-breaking eighth world championship. Both Alonso and Hamilton have won at Monza before – Alonso twice and Hamilton five times – ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. Read More Lewis Hamilton reveals reason for signing new Mercedes deal: ‘Unfinished business’ Lewis Hamilton signs new Mercedes contract Charles Leclerc speaks out about Ferrari future ahead of Italian Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton gives update on F1 movie starring Brad Pitt amid Hollywood strikes Charles Leclerc speaks out about Ferrari future How does Verstappen’s win-streak compare to fellow record-holder Vettel’s?

England’s qualification path to Euro 2024 continues on Tuesday night when they host Italy at Wembley. A win against the Azzurri will ensure Gareth Southgate’s side qualify for next year’s tournament in Germany. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some memorable encounters between both sides at Wembley. European Championship final – 2021 The last meeting between both sides under the arch came in 2021 when England’s dreams for a major trophy ended after being beaten in a penalty shootout. Southgate’s side got off to a flying start through Luke Shaw’s early strike, but Leonardo Bonucci levelled for Italy as the match went into extra time before ending with spot-kicks. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford saved penalties from Andrea Belotti and Jorginho, but Marcus Rashford hit a post before Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma as Italy earned a 3-2 shootout victory and lifted the European Championship. World Cup qualifiers – 1997 Aiming to qualify for their first World Cup since Italia 1990, England were drawn in a group alongside Italy as they aimed to secure a spot in the 1998 edition in France. Cesare Maldini oversaw the Italian side playing at Wembley in 1997 and Gianfranco Zola’s 19th-minute strike was enough for the visitors to pick up three points. England eventually went on to win the qualifying group with an historic draw against the Azzurri in Rome later in the year. World Cup qualifying disappointment – 1977 Similarly to the 1998 tournament, England’s qualification for the 1978 World Cup saw them drawn in a group with Italy. After losing their first fixture 2-0 in Rome, England welcomed the Azzurri to Wembley 12 months later in November 1977. Playing under manager Ron Greenwood, Kevin Keegan opened the scoring for the hosts before Trevor Brooking doubled the lead to seal a 2-0 victory. Despite their win, England did not qualify for the 1978 tournament in Argentina as Italy earned a 3-0 win against Luxembourg to top the qualifying group on goal difference. Bobby Moore’s final outing – 1973 England’s World Cup-winning captain made his final international appearance against Italy in 1973. It rounded off a stellar England career for Moore, who led his side to World Cup glory in 1966 and captained the team on 90 occasions. However, his 108th and final England cap ended in defeat in the friendly clash against the Azzurri, who won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Fabio Capello – a future England manager between 2007 and 2012. Get the latest football odds and tips here. Read More How have England defied expectations to reach Rugby World Cup semi-finals? Jack Conan: Not giving Johnny Sexton the send-off he deserves is hard to take South Africa brimming with confidence for England ‘challenge’ after epic win Max Johnston handed first Scotland call-up Scotland’s record at major tournaments as Steve Clarke’s men seal Euro 2024 spot Mohamed Elneny daring to dream about leading his new club to the Premier League

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