Italy can set new all-time unbeaten world record

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.