Argentina will play friendlies against Italy, Spain in March

Argentina will try to alleviate the pressure with a pair of friendlies.

The Asociacion del Futbol Argentino announced a friendly between Argentina and Italy that will be played on March 23 at the Etihad Stadium, and a friendly against Spain that's scheduled for March 27 at the Wanda Metropolitano. The games will take place less three months before the start of the 2018 World Cup.

After qualifying for the 2018 World Cup by virtue of a 3-1 victory in Ecuador on the 18th and final matchday of South America's two-year marathon, Argentina played two friendlies in November. La Albiceleste beat Russia 1-0 but suffered a 4-2 defeat to Nigeria three days later.

Argentina will play Iceland, Croatia, and Nigeria in Group D at the 2018 World Cup.