Full Time
Switzerland almost snatched the win on the final minute, but in the end, the two nations end up sharing the spoils in a match that Italy could have won.
Silvan Widmer broke the deadlock early in the match, and Di Lorenzo equalized later in the first half, but the Italians failed to capitalize on their improved second half display, and Jorginho will be kicking himself for missing yet again from the spot
Nonetheless, this result leaves Italy as the favorites to lock in their Qatar 2022 spot by Monday. The Azzurri have a superior goal difference and if they avoid a bottle job in Belfast then they will seal their qualification.
Thanks for joining us for our live coverage, and we hope tp see you on the next one!
Should Italy and Switzerland both win their next match, the team with better goal difference will qualify. Italy currently have a +2 goal difference.
If Italy and Switzerland both draw their next matches, Italy will qualify for the World Cup.
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) November 12, 2021
90th Minute: Jorginho Wastes Again
Anthony Taylor points to the spot after reviewing Garcia’s push on Berardi. Jorhinho steps up to convert it, but astonishingly can’t hit the target as it goes high.
The Chelsea man also wasted another spot kick in the first match against Switzerland.
72nd Minute: Dominant Italy, Cautious Switzerland
We’re entering the final stages of the match, and Italy are enjoying a much better second period compared to the first half.
Domenico Berardi’s introduction instead of Belotti has reignited Mancini’s attack, but the Swiss are holding on.
Is there a winning goal in the making?
Half Time
Not exactly a great result thus far for the Azzurri, but it surely could have been worse.
It has been a balanced encounter thus far with the two right-backs scoring in each net. Switzerland took the lead early on through Widmer, but Di Lorenzo equalized for Italy.
We’ll be back for the second and decisive half, but in the meantime, you can check out some of the hottest news in Italian football as published by the Cult of Calcio’s news team:
Roma Offered Arsenal Ace, Mourinho Prefers Manchester United Wingback
Napoli to Continue Searching For a New Fullback in January
Juventus to Meet with Raiola to Discuss Bernardeschi and More
36th Minute: Napoli Stars Combine for Equalizer
Following a series of chances on both ends, it was the hosts who grabs the equalizer. Barella won the freekick, and two Napoli players combine for the goal.
Insigne converts the dead ball, sending a sublime cross to the middle of the box, and Di Lorenzo beat Yan Sommer to the ball to head it into the empty goal.
The Swiss objected the goal, claiming there was a foul on the goalkeeper, but VAR eventually confirms it.
11th Minute: Switzerland Take Shocking Lead
Well, the Olimpico crowd can be forgiven for getting 2017 flashbacks. Noah Ofakor leads a switch counter attack and picks up Widmer on the right flank. The fullback shoots first time, Donnarumma tries to parry it but the power takes it in.
A magnificent opening goal from the visitors as the pressure begins to mount on the Italians.
Official Lineups
Roberto Mancini is having to do without a host of key figures, including captain Giorgio Chiellini, Roma duo Lorenzo Pellegrini and Nicolò Zaniolo, PSG star Marco Verratti and Lazio bomber Ciro Immobile.
Nevertheless, the Italy tactician will maintain his favorite 4-3-3 lineup. Gianluigi Donnarumma starts in goal, with Giovanni De Lorenzo, Leonardo Bonucci, Francesco Acerbi and Emerson in front of him.
Jorginho is once again handed the reign in the middle of the park, supported by Manuel Locatelli and Nicolò Barella. Andrea Belotti will lead the lead, flanked by Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne.
Italy XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Acerbi, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Locatelli; Chiesa, Belotti, Insigne.
? #WCQ
Our starting XI for #ITASUI ?#VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/giWvEySe9a
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) November 12, 2021
On the other hand, Switzerland manager Murat Yakin will start with a 4-3-2-1 formation that includes familiar faces for Calcio fans.
The list included Torino defender Ricardo Rodriguez, Atalanta midfielder Remo Freuler, former Udinese right-back Silvan Widmer, and of course ex-Inter winger Xherdan Shaqiri.
Switzerland XI (4-3-2-1): Sommer; Widmer, Akanji, Schar, Rodriguez; Zakaria, Vargas, Freuler; Shaqiri, Steffen; Okafor
Welcome to Our Live Coverage
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the crucial World Cup qualifier between Italy and Switzerland. The two neighbors will clash heads at the Olimpico Stadium in Roma with a spot in Qatar 2022 on the line.
From the official lineups all the way to the final whistle, the Cult of Calcio will provide you with all the latest updates from the Stadium and beyond.
The two sides are currently level on points at the top of Group C, with the Azzurri only leading thanks to a superior goal difference.
Although the winner won’t officially book its ticket to Qatar just yet – as one last fixture is set to be played on Monday – he will be on the cusp of qualification.