Italy beat Turkey 3-0 in the opening game at this years tournament, which is a result that looks impressive with many people feeling Turkey could be dark horses this year. They dominated the game having 24 shots on goal, with 8 of those finding the target, whilst they had 64% possession, taking 8 corners and picking up no cards. Whilst it would have been a shock should Italy not progress through this group, a win here will surely guarantee them safe passage to the knock out stage. Switzerland drew 1-1 with Wales in a game that they will feel they really should have won. They had 18 shots with 4 of those being on target, taking 12 corners and picking up 2 corners whilst they dominated possession, having the ball for 65% of the time. Switzerland will be fortunate to see as much of the ball in this game so they will need to be more clinical if they are going to take points off Italy here.
The referee for this game is Sergei Karasev, this season he has refereed 24 games. handing out 112 yellow cards and 9 red cards, for an average of 4.67 yellow cards per game and 0.37 red cards per game. In his career to date he has taken charge of 180 games, awarding 715 yellow cards and 52 red cards, for an average of 3.97 yellow cards per game and 0.29 red cards per game.
It’s likely that Italy will have to rotate some players for this game, particularly in defence with defensive pairing Giorgio Chiellini (36 years old) and Leonardo Bonucci (34 years old) both likely to need some rest if Italy are serious about having a deep run into the knock out stages. This may present some opportunities for Switzerland, though they will need to take those opportunities if they are to stay in the game. I see Italy controlling this game as they keep possession for long periods and look to break down Switzerland just as they did to Turkey. I believe the most likely score line is Italy coming out on top 2-0 or 2-1, as I feel this Switzerland side are not efficient enough in front of goal to trouble the top teams at this years tournament. I don’t see this being a vintage Italy performance as squad rotations are sure to play a part, but i feel they have enough to get over the line.
