UEFA World Cup Qualifiers: Italy vs Switzerland live
Preview
Tonight, the top two teams in Group C will face off in a pivotal match, as Italy host Switzerland in the World Cup qualifiers at the Stadium Olimpico in Roma. This clash is going to be officiated by the top notch British referee, Anthony Taylor and will kick off at exactly 19:45 GMT.
Italy remains undefeated in the World Cup qualifiers, with two victories in their last three home games. In their previous match in the World Cup qualifiers, they defeated Lithuania 5-0, with Moise Kean scoring a brace. Italy have won four and drew two of their six games, scoring 12 goals and conceding just once, putting them in first place with two games remaining. Tonight’s game will be crucial as both Italy and Switzerland are level on points (14). Roberto Mancini’s team will end their Group C campaign away to Northern Ireland on Monday, and it would be surprising if they didn’t finish first in the group, given their history as European Champions.
Switzerland have all but clinched a playoff berth and is now vying for automatic qualification. They are likewise unbeaten and just second in the group due to a goal difference disadvantage. Switzerland have kept five consecutive clean sheets in this group, conceding only in the opening 3-1 win away over Bulgaria on March 25.
Manchester City did not have a solid plan ahead of the Manchester derby
Head-to-head
The two national teams met in Switzerland during the first half of the World Cup qualifiers. The game was suspenseful and ended with neither team scoring, resulting in a goalless draw. Overall, Italy hold the advantage in recent games, winning one (Euro group stage) and drawing one whereas Switzerland are yet to get a win.
Prediction
In Group C, the Italy and Switzerland are vying for first place, thus the game will be quite close. Although both teams will seek to put up a good performance in Rome, Italy could pick the win. The game will surely be a close one with few risky moments and could also end in a draw.
Lineup
Italy XI: Donnarumma; Lorenzo, Bonucci, Acerbi, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Locatelli; Chiesa, Belotti, Insigne
Switzerland XI: Sommer; Rodriguez, Schär, Akanji, Widmer; Freuler, Vargas, Zakaria; Steffen, Shaqiri; Okafor
Live stream
