Italy were held to a 1-1 draw by Bulgaria in their first game following the Euros, slowing down their charge for World Cup qualification. Chiesa put the Azzurri ahead before the guests got level close to halftime following a rare appearance in the Italy half. The hosts couldn’t break through after the break, despite dominating possession and territory in the second 45. In spite of this slight misstep, Italy stay top of the group and have also equalled the joint-record set by Spain and Brazil for unbeaten matches (35) in international football. Sunday’s clash with Switzerland in Basel now takes on even more importance in the fight for top spot.

THE GAME. Mancini selected nine of the starting XI that played in the final at Wembley on 11 July; Acerbi and Florenzi instead of Chiellini and Di Lorenzo the only changes. Bulgaria matched Italy’s formation with a 4-3-3 (becoming a 4-5-1 when not in possession) but looked a long way off the team that Italy faced in the semi-final of the 1994 World Cup in the USA. But being stronger on paper doesn’t always equate to three points and Italy need goals to ensure direct qualification to Qatar 2022, knowing full well that you need to wrap up the result as early as possible in games like these.

And the lead did come after just 16 minutes. It was Federico Chiesa who got the goal, firing low and hard into the bottom corner. It was his fourth Italy goal and he celebrated it in the stadium where he excelled as a Fiorentina player, much to the delight of his father Enrico, who was watching on from the stands. Italy looked in full control and kept on the front foot, moving the ball around well and showing that they are in great form and fitness.

The tempo was high, the movement fluid and the pressing was done with aggression and at the right time. Immobile had a go, goalkeeper Georgiev made the save, then Insigne fired wide. Bulgaria looked like they were on the ropes but struck back with their first chance of the game. Despodov powered away from Florenzi and whipped it in for Atanas Iliev, who got there ahead of Acerbi and turned it home. As time ran out, Insigne missed a big chance to restore Italy’s lead; he did brilliant to take down a long ball from Bonucci but fired straight at Georgiev. 1-1 at the break.

The second half began much as the first had ended: Italy looked to dominate the game and Bulgaria sat back and defended with ten men behind the ball. Immobile – fed by Jorginho – skipped past Georgiev but his effort from an incredibly tight angle was scrambled clear. Barella then hit the outside netting, while Chiesa was denied from close range by Georgiev. Mancini sent on Toloi and Cristante in place of Florenzi and Barella (62’). The Azzurri continued to push as the shot counter and the number of corners continued to rise. A delightful backheel from Verratti freed Immobile, who was thwarted by Georgiev once more before being replaced by Raspadori. Insigne also made way for Berardi as the 14,000 spectators at the Artemio Franchi spurred their team on for the final assault. Mancini sent on Lorenzo Pellegrini late on but five minutes of added time were not enough for Italy to get their noses back in front. The Azzurri head to Basel on Sunday to take on Switzerland, who they beat 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in the Euros just a couple of months ago.

Schedule (all times CEST)

Friday 3 September
11:30 – Training at the 'Vittorio Pozzo' pitch at Coverciano

Saturday 4 September
10:00 – Switzerland press conference at St. Jacob Park in Basel
11:00 – Switzerland Training at St. Jacob Park in Basel (open to the press the first 15')
11:00 – Transfer Florence-Basel
17:30 – Press conference ITALY at the St. Jacob Park in Basel
18:00 – ITALY training at the St. Jacob Park in Basel (open to the press the first 15')

Sunday 5 September
20:45 – Switzerland vs. ITALY (St. Jacob's Park stadium). Press conference after the match

Monday 6 September
11:30 – Training at the C.S. Basel (closed)
18:00 – Transfer Basel-Reggio Emilia

Tuesday 7 September
16:45 – ITALY press conference at the 'Città del Tricolore' stadium
17:15 – ITALY training at the 'Città del Tricolore' stadium (open to the press the first 15')
18:15 – Lithuania press conference at 'Città del Tricolore' stadium
18:45 - Lithuania training at 'Città del Tricolore' stadium (open to the press the first 15')

Wednesday 8 September

20:45 – ITALY vs. Lithuania (Città del Tricolore Stadium). At the end of the match, press conference, disbandment of the delegation and return of players and staff to their respective headquarters