A win for the Azzurri would see them all but booking a ticket to Qatar next year and banish the nightmare failure of four years ago. A victory for the Swiss would see them also needing a point in the last game to win automatic qualification. Expected just as much a close encounter as the first one between these two sides which ended in a draw. Italy fielded a strong eleven, Roberto Mancini trusting the same personnel that won Euro 2020 in the summer. Notable absentees were Chiellini replaced by Arcebi and Bellotti leading the attack. The Swiss also did well at Euro 2020 lined up with a decent midfield manned by Shaqiri and impressive Atalanta defensive linkman Freuler. If there is one bad habit Italy needs to lose ASAP it is defending too deep. They may have the players to successfully do that like Bonucci but one should not tempt fate. Just like the Euro Final ,they were caught out early by the full back. This time Widmer arriving late to unleash an unstoppable shot past Donnarumma to stun the Olimpico

The 4-3-3 that Italy lines up with has a notable hole. There is no defensive midfielder to track the late runner from deep. This was Joginho's job but let's face it he isn't Kante and is stronger in the passing department. Don't even look towards Barella and Locatelli for a defensive shield. That woke up Italy who dominated proceedings for most of the match. Like I said with Joginho in your side you tend to dominate possession. How about that save from Sommer from Barella. Italy equalizing from Di Lorenzo's brave header on 36 minutes, however Sommer should have done better. The Gladbach goalie flapping at the free kick cross. Golden rule for goalkeeper defending set pieces, if you have to come for a cross make sure you get there 100%. Joginho has certainly lost some of his penalty kick mojo especially at international level. He misses a late penalty awarded for a foul on Sassuolo's Berardi by Young Boys' Garcia. The Chelsea man didn't catch it well going well under the ball when maybe a trademark Panenka would have done the trick. Italy now need to match the Swiss results on the last match day on Monday against Northern Ireland in Belfast to book the automatic spot. Switzerland are at home to Bulgaria. Italy ahead of Switzerland for now on goal difference.