UEFA EURO 2020 – Italy vs Switzerland Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Italy vs Switzerland kick off? Wednesday 16th June, 2021 – 20:00 (UK)
Where is Italy vs Switzerland being played? Stadio Olimpico, Roma
Where can I get tickets for Italy vs Switzerland? Click here for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Italy vs Switzerland on in the UK? ITV
Where can I stream Italy vs Switzerland in the UK? This match can be streamed live on the ITV Hub
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All matches: Italy 28 wins, Switzerland 7 wins, 22 draws
Last meeting: Switzerland 1-1 Italy (05/06/10)
THE LOWDOWN
ITALY
- The opening night of EURO 2020 saw Italy make a statement as they cruised past Turkey 3-0 in Rome, demonstrating the perfect blend of defensive stability and attacking potency as they created numerous chances throughout the contest.
- It has been well documented that forward Ciro Immobile has to have a successful tournament if the Azzurri are to go all the way and the Lazio striker made the perfect start to the tournament, scoring once and providing an assist.
- Full-back Alessandro Florenzi was substituted off at half-time due to a calf problem and his availability for this match is in doubt, with his replacement Giovanni Di Lorenzo ready to step in from the start, whilst midfielder Marco Verratti bids to prove his fitness to boss Roberto Mancini in training leading up to the game.
SWITZERLAND
- A 1-1 draw against Wales represented a satisfactory if not frustrating return for Switzerland in their first Group A fixture, when considering that they had the far better chances to go on and win the game.
- Switzerland’s style of play against Wales was a very offensive one and they may have to tone this back against an extremely dangerous opponent in Italy, therefore defensive midfielder Denis Zakaria may be fielded from the start in a bid to provide extra protection to the Swiss defence.
- An injury suffered by Jonas Omlin in training on Saturday has forced the goalkeeper to withdraw from the Swiss squad ahead of this match with Gregor Kobel called up as a replacement, however that won’t disrupt the Switzerland starting line-up with first-choice stopper Yann Sommer set to retain his place.
THE TEAM NEWS
ITALY
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Spinazzola; Barella, Jorginho, Locatelli; Berardi, Immobile, Insigne
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Florenzi (Injured), Verratti (Fitness)
SWITZERLAND
PREDICTED XI (3-4-1-2): Sommer; Elvedi, Schar, Akanji; Mbabu, Zakaria, Xhaka, Rodriguez; Shaqiri; Embolo, Seferovic
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- The last three international matches between Italy and Switzerland have all finished level – Draw
- Italy have won their last nine international matches without conceding a goal – Italy to win to nil
- Italy have scored two or more goals in each of their last nine international matches – Italy to score over 1.5 goals
- Switzerland have scored more than one goal in only one of their previous 14 EURO final tournament matches – Switzerland to score less than 1.5 goals
- Eight of the last nine international matches between Italy and Switzerland have contained under 2.5 goals – Under 2.5 goals
THE PREDICTION
Italy laid down a marker to the rest of the competition with their win over Turkey and unsurprisingly they are now red-hot favourites to finish top of Group A. Home advantage no doubt played a part and the Azzurri will once again be able to feed off the crowd at the Stadio Olimpico, which can only benefit their players. However, Roberto Mancini’s men will not only need to be aware of Switzerland’s pace and trickery on the counter-attack largely through attacking midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri, but also the threat they pose from set-pieces that was so evident against Wales. Despite that, Italy certainly have the experience and defensive stability to handle this as they did so expertly against Turkey. When considering the strength of Mancini’s side all over the pitch alongside the confidence no doubt running through their squad at present, a comfortable Italian win has to be favoured here.
Tip: ITALY TO WIN
For fixtures, results, TV schedule, top scorers and plenty more, visit our tournament home page here!
