“Switzerland are a side that have historically always given us problems, with a coach that knows a lot about Italian football: there is a reason their position in the Top 15 of the Fifa Rankings has been so stable. Tomorrow, we will have to play an almost perfect game to get a good result.” Robert Mancini is well aware of the difficulties that tomorrow’s challenge may hold; Italy will also face Switzerland, Wednesday evening’s opponents, in qualification for the Qatar World Cup.

“They are a team that deserve the utmost respect and that have a clear identity in how they play. Especially up top they have players that can change the game at any moment” said Leonardo Bonucci, echoing his manager’s thoughts as the two of them faced the press in the usual press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game. At Stadio Olimpico, the Azzurri will take to the pitch (with kick-off at 21:00) for a challenge that could mathematically guarantee them first place in Group A after only two games. For this to happen, Mancini’s men would need to win and, first, in the 18:00 game, Wales would have to fail to beat Turkey.

Last Friday against Turkey, Leonardo Bonucci made his 103rd appearance for the Azzurri: “We cannot wait - declared the centre-back - to get back out there tomorrow. I am part of an amazing group here; it is a cohesive bunch, with everyone pulling in the same direction: the good results we have had are a consequence of the great togetherness and spirit that we have.

We have continually repeated since Friday that humility is the secret ingredient for top performances. I am sure that this team will be capable of resetting, putting aside that very good first game and starting again. I am also sure that that is what we will do until the very end of the tournament.”

In their UEFA Euro 2020 opener against Turkey, the Azzurri recorded their 28th consecutive game without defeat and a ninth win in a row: these are incredible numbers, and it’s a streak that Mancini wants to continue: “Our squad is full of players of starting XI quality. So, if there are changes to the team compared with Friday - said the coach - it will not reduce the quality on show. Swapping one player with another will not change how we play or how we approach the game. Verratti is doing well and has trained with the group for three days now: tomorrow, we will assess whether he can be on the bench. Shaqiri? I coached him at Inter and so I can tell you he is one of the best Number 10s in the whole tournament.”

Itinerary (all times CEST) 

Wednesday 16 June
21:00 – Italy vs. Switzerland at the Stadio Olimpico. Press conference/media duties after full-time. 

Thursday 17 June
*17:00 – Training (behind closed doors)

Friday 18 June
** 14:00 – Players meet media
*17:00 – Training (behind closed doors)

Saturday 19 June
11:00 – Transfer Florence-Rome
**16:45 – Press conference, Coach + 1 player at Hotel Parco dei Principi
*19:15 – Training at the Olympic Center Giulio Onesti (behind closed doors except for first 15 mins)

Sunday 20 June
18:00 – Italy vs. Wales at the Stadio Olimpico. Press conference/media duties after full-time. 

N.B. Timetables are subject to possible change
* photos will be taken and shared by FIGC 
**media access will be limited to reduced numbers

 Photo credit: Uefa