Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Italy
Match Time & Date:
12/11/2021
03:45 PM
Prediction: 2-0
Switzerland
All eyes will be on Stadio Olimpico when Italy and Switzerland take on each other in the Group C derby on Friday evening. Automatic qualification for the 2022 World Cup finals is at stake, and, no doubt, there will be fireworks when the two teams meet in “the Eternal City”. All Marco Verratti, Matteo Pessina, Rafael Toloi, and Leonardo Spinazzola have been left out of the squad with injuries, while Torino midfielder Tommaso Pobega has received his first call-up.
The Rossocrociati, on the other hand, are still without Granit Xhaka and Haris Seferovic. To make things even worse for the visitors, both Breel Embolo and Nico Elvedi suffered injuries at the weekend, and, taking everything into account, Murat Yakin’s troops are unlikely to spoil Italy’s party at Stadio Olimpico. As always, a man to watch in the away team will be Olympique Lyon midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri.
Highlighted Player (Leonardo Bonucci):
Over the years Leonardo Bonucci has established himself as one of Juve’s key defenders. The 190-cm-tall centre back, who is capable of playing as a right back as well, was born in Viterbo on 1 May, 1987 and he started his senior career at Inter. However, he made no more than one league appearance for the Nerrazzurri between 2005 and 2009.
After ending his loan spells with the likes of Treviso and Pisa, he joined Bari in 2009 and he scored one goal in 38 league games for the club. Juventus signed him in July, 2010 for a fee of €15.5 million. Leonardo Bonucci won his fifth Scudetto with Juve in the 2015/2016 season and he played in the 2014/2015 Champions League final against Barcelona. However, the Bianconeri were beaten by Barca in the title game.
Bonucci made his Italy debut on 3 March, 2010 and two years later he participated in the Euro 2012 final against Spain. The Azzurri were hammered by Vicente del Bosque’s troops 4-0 in the Olympic Stadium clash.
Highlighted Team (Switzerland):
While missing the first ever World Cup, Switzerland played at next four, reaching the quarter-finals on three occasions, but they were unable to repeat the success in next six appearances. Nati reached the first knockout stage in 1994, 2006 and 2014, but they couldn’t make the next step.
When it comes to their European Championship appearances, the situation is even worse, as the team only qualified for the 1996, 2004 and 2016 finals, while they automatically qualified for the 2008 tournament together with co-hosts Austria. Switzerland national team of late have profited from the multicultural environment, as they appear to have closed the gap behind top European sides and also adopted a more adventurous style of play.
The new generation is probably the most talented yet, with players like Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Ricardo Rodriguez and Valon Behrami all held in high regard. Nati now have a unique chance to try and reach the closing stages of a major tournament as their key men are either at their peak or will be there in the next couple of years.
Arsenal
Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa
Crystal Palace 
Milan 
Juventus 
Man City
Tottenham
Celta Vigo 
Barcelona 
Southampton
Liverpool
