Italy could make history this evening against Switzerland by setting a new all-time record for 36 international games unbeaten, although there is some debate in Brazil.
The World Cup qualifier kicks off at St. Jakob-Park in Basel tonight at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
The Azzurri go into this clash unbeaten since their 1-1 friendly draw with Ukraine on October 10, 2018.
That is a run of 29 wins and six draws between Nations League, European Championship qualifiers, World Cup qualifiers, UEFA EURO 2020 fixtures and friendlies.
It allowed Italy to equal the record of 35 set by both Spain and Brazil, so avoiding defeat tonight in Switzerland would set a new all-time world record.
Spain had their streak of 35 between 2007 and 2009.
However, some in Brazil insist their run actually stretched to 36 matches, wanting to include the 2-2 draw with Romania’s B team in September 1995.
As it was not recognised by FIFA due to it being against a reserve team, it is not part of their run of results, which stretched from 1993 to 1996.
That’s ok Brazil – Italy will at least tie today then win on Wednesday…so enjoy your record while it lasts…
Lol, good one Bob! It’s both shocking and embarrassing that Brazil even got the draw against that “High School” team!! You’re right, Italy will stand alone by Wednesday night.
Italy have very good chanses to make 36 and even 37 unbeaten games. Moreover Swiss playes without Shaqiri and Xhaka. Inter, I mean Italy will easy win tonight, very optimistic.
Italy can go 40….I don’t see them losing this qualifying series
You realise that under communism, every factory (by every I mean every) had to have a football team? They had more football teams than none others than the creators of football England and they were at least on par with Brasil, eliminating Maradonas Argentina in 1994.
Nadia Comaneci- the only or 1st ever gymanst to receive a 10, was a product of Ceausescus ‘reign’.
for being the greatest / most WC winning nation Brazil sure is petty when it comes to records. first Pele wouldnt acknowledge or relinquish the most goals scored on senior level to Ronaldo now this.
are they still bitter of that embarrassing 7-1 whooping by Germany in front of home fans in a WC semifinal ?