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Italy take on Swiss tonight


Bangladeshpost
Published : 15 Jun 2021 08:59 PM

Agencies

Having impressed the watching continent in their opening win, Italy now take on local rivals Switzerland on Wednesday, at Rome's historic Stadio Olimpico.

While the Azzurri effectively need only a point to progress, their less illustrious neighbours are seeking their first win of Euro 2020, following a frustrating draw with Group A counterparts Wales.

Roberto Mancini is unlikely to make any unenforced changes to a successful starting XI on Wednesday, as he looks to steer his squad through to the knockout stages with a win; rendering their third game, against Wales, a more probable opportunity to rotate the side.

In any case, the game may come too soon for midfield lynchpin Marco Verratti, who has finally overcome a troublesome knee injury but is not yet ready to reclaim his place from the start. Therefore, in-demand Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli is again set to join Jorginho and NicoloBarella against the Swiss.

One area that is expected to require a fresh face, though, is at right-back, as Alessandro Florenzi is struggling to shake off an ongoing calf problem. As at half time against Turkey, the PSG man will be replaced by Napoli's Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

The visitors' head coach Vladimir Petkovic - who returns to the stadium he once called home as Lazio manager - is also considering a relatively unchanged lineup from their opening game, with only a possible introduction to the starting team for energetic midfielder Denis Zakaria a possibility.

This week, Switzerland have called up goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to replace the injured Jonas Omlin in their 26-man squad, after the latter suffered an injury to his right ankle while warming up on Saturday.

Kobel is uncapped at senior level but will only be required to take Omlin's place as cover for established first-choice Yann Sommer and his deputy, YvonMvogo.

As Switzerland are expected to pursue only a point, the impetus will be on the hosts to create chances and move the ball as fluently as they managed in the tournament-opening game.

Italy are well versed at probing patiently, though, and not only have Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne to unlock the most tightly-bolted back door, but can also turn to the likes of exciting winger Federico Chiesa if required to make the difference.