Table of Contents
The Azzuri started the tournament with a bang as they beat Turkey 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. In the second round, Roberto Mancini’s men are set to face the Switzerland contingent, which was frustrated to a 1-1 draw against Wales in their match on Saturday at the same venue.
Since taking over the Italian team’s managerial job after the humiliating and unsuccessful qualification campaign for the Italian national team, Mancini has completely transformed the squad by simply using the players in the right positions and playing to their strengths.
Switzerland players no pushovers, though, as they displayed against Wales following a set philosophy and attacking with intent with discipline throughout the match. Against a miserly Italy side that rarely concedes a goal, Vladimir Petkovic’s side can be frustrated once again for goals.
Like Mancini, Petkovic has some honours against his name. The former Lazio manager has become the second head coach to help Switzerland qualify for three major tournaments consecutively and would be looking to upset some of the favourites until they are alive in the Euros.
The match would be crucial for the Swiss team as they could end up with only 1 point from 2 matches if they end up losing to the Azzuri in Rome on Wednesday. On the other hand, Italy would be looking to maintain their perfect run in the tournament, majorly credited to their winning streak in the 10 qualifiers and continuing that in the finals as well.
Team News
The former Manchester City manager maximized the use of five substitutes as he took off all three forwards in the 80th minute to give them crucial rest for the Turkey clash. Their defence is expected to remain the same unquestionably, and there are no concerns in the midfield positions as well.
Switzerland has a dilemma in the strike partnership up front after the Benfica striker Haris Seferovic failed to convert some of the chances presented to him, and Mario Gavranovic impressed as a substitute as well.
Key Players
Already one of the best goalkeepers in the world, it’s tough to imagine that Gianluigi Donnarumma is only 22 years old. Playing behind the experienced duo of Leonardi Bonnuci and skipper Georgio Chiellini, the Paris St. Germain goalkeeper is expected to keep another clean sheet.
Italy would be relying on the Lazio striker Ciro Immobile to provides the goals up-front against strong defences like Switzerland with Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, and Fabian Schar protecting Yann Sommer’s goal.
At only 25 years of age, Manuel Akanji has become the leader of the Switzerland defence with his excellent ball-playing ability and composure. The three-man defence would be pivotal to keep the Italian forwards silent for the whole of 90 minutes.
After scoring a goal in the first match, all eyes would be on Breel Embolo to see how the 24-year old fares against one of the best defensive lines in European football.
Prediction
The Italians are the favourites to top the Group A of the tournament, with Turkey, Switzerland, and Wales competing for the remaining three spots in the points table. Mancini’s well-oiled machine should be able to prove too strong for the Switzerland team.
The Mighty Azzuri need to be stopped, and the attack might prove as the best defence for the Switzerland team, which is well stocked with options in quality midfielders building up the attacks and a reliable defence marshalling their own half.
