Italy vs Switzerland prediction, preview, team news and more | 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Italy are set to play Switzerland at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday for a FIFA World Cup qualifying game.
Italy come into this game on the back of a 2-1 win over Roberto Martinez's Belgium in the UEFA Nations League's match for the 3rd place. Goals from Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella and Sassuolo attacker Domenico Berardi ensured victory for Roberto Mancini's Italy. Club Brugge forward Charles De Ketelaere scored the consolation goal for Belgium.
Switzerland, on the other hand, beat Valdas Ivanauskas' Lithuania 4-0 in their most recent game. A brace from Borussia Monchengladbach forward Breel Embolo and goals from Wolfsburg winger Renato Steffen and Kayserispor striker Mario Gavranovic secured the win for Murat Yakin's Switzerland.
Italy vs Switzerland Head-to-Head
In 59 head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Italy hold the clear advantage. They have won 29 games, lost seven and drawn 23.
The two countries last faced each other earlier this year, with the game ending in a 0-0 draw.
Italy form guide: W-L-W-D-D
Switzerland form guide: W-W-D-D-W
Italy vs Switzerland Team News
Italy
Italy have seen a few players missing due to injury issues. Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo and Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini will not be involved, while Lazio striker Ciro Immobile is out injured as well.
Captain and star centre-back Giorgio Chiellini will not be available after failing to recover in time from a thigh injury. Marco Verratti suffered a hip injury during PSG's game against Marseille at the end of October and will miss Italy’s World Cup qualifying matches this week.
Despite this, manager Roberto Mancini has named a strong squad.
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci, Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, Chelsea star Jorginho and Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne have all been named.
There could be potential debuts for Lazio midfielder Danilo Cataldi and Torino midfielder Tommaso Pobega.
Injured: Ciro Immobile, Nicolo Zaniolo, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Giorgio Chiellini, Marco Verratti
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Welcome 🔙 Danilo #Cataldi! 💪
#ITASUI #VivoAzzurro #WCQ https://t.co/iqAw2fw2m5
Switzerland
Switzerland, too, will be missing some key players. Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Nico Elvedi, AEK Athens winger Steven Zuber and Borussia Monchengladbach attacker Breel Embolo are among those not involved.
Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer, Newcastle United centre-back Fabian Schar, Atalanta midfielder Remo Freuler and Lyon forward Xherdan Shaqiri have been named. There could be a potential debut for Red Bull Salzburg duo of Philipp Kohn and Bryan Okoh and Servette midfielder Kastriot Imeri.
Injured: Nico Elvedi, Steven Zuber, Breel Embolo, Gregor Kobel, Granit Xhaka
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Italy vs Switzerland Predicted XI
Italy Predicted XI (4-3-3): Gianluigi Donnarumma, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Leonardo Bonucci, Alessandro Bastoni, Emerson, Nicolo Barella, Manuel Locatelli, Sandro Tonali, Federico Chiesa, Andrea Belotti, Lorenzo Insigne
Just @locamanuel73 bringing the sauce to training 💥😲
#ITASUI #VivoAzzurro #WCQ https://t.co/Cqy7frBHE2
Switzerland Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Yann Sommer, Silvan Widmer, Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez, Remo Freuler, Denis Zakaria, Renato Steffen, Xherdan Shaqiri, Ruben Vargas, Mario Gavranovic
Italy vs Switzerland Prediction
Under the management of Roberto Mancini, Italy have once again become one of the very best in international football. They have strength and depth, and Mancini's deserves praise for how he has created a modern Italian side who are capable of beating anyone.
Switzerland, on the other hand, continue to rely on the magic of forward Xherdan Shaqiri. With star midfielder Granit Xhaka still nursing an injury, the onus will fall on Shaqiri to lead the Swiss line and break the experienced Italian defence with his creativity and magic.
Italy will be the favourites to win.
Prediction: Italy 2-0 Switzerland