Italy welcome Switzerland to the capital on Friday with both sides locked on 14 points in Group C of the UEFA zone FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers. The Azzurri’s goal difference is superior, but the Nati have bridged the gap in impressive style and now this clash will effectively decide who wins this group.
Here is how you can watch the match and what to know:
Viewing information
Date: Friday, Nov. 12 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
Location: Stadio Olimpico — Rome, Italy
TV and live stream: ESPN+
Odds: Italy -182; Draw +280; Switzerland +550 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Italy: An understandable post-Euro victory lull saw Roberto Mancini’s men drop four points and gave the Swiss the chance they needed to close the gap last month with wins over Northern Ireland and Lithuania. A win for the Italians here should seal top spot in their favor, though, with the Northern Irish away the final qualifier.
Switzerland: Murat Yakin’s men travel to Rome knowing that a draw could keep their hopes of finishing top alive while a surprise win would leave with Bulgaria to beat at home to seal it. Wins over the Northern Irish and Lithuania got them here and they have already held Italy goalless and beaten the Bulgarians in this campaign.
Prediction
Another between these two to keep things interesting on the final day. While the Azzurri will be licking their UEFA Nations League wounds, the Nati will be aiming to close 2021 in style over these two games. Pick: Italy 1, Switzerland 1.