Andrea Belotti or a False 9 is the biggest doubt for Italy going into the World Cup qualifier, while Mario Gavranovic seems to be ready to start for Switzerland.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Friday at 19.45 GMT.

The two nations are currently neck-and-neck at the top of Group C, with the Azzurri ahead thanks to a goal difference of +11 compared to the Swiss +9.

Both have had to deal with numerous injury problems going into the big game and nothing will be decided tomorrow night, because it all goes down to the final games.

In Italy’s case, that is a trip to Northern Ireland, while Murat Yakin’s men host Bulgaria.

Giorgio Chiellini, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Nicolò Zaniolo have all pulled out, with Marco Verratti, Moise Kean and Alessandro Florenzi among those unavailable for selection too.

While initially he seemed to be leaning towards a False 9 with Lorenzo Insigne or Federico Chiesa taking the central role, Roberto Mancini has now hinted he will start Torino forward Belotti instead.

Belotti is not 100 per cent fit either, as he sustained an ankle sprain several weeks ago.

Switzerland have their own share of issues too, missing Granit Xhaka, Haris Seferovic, Nico Elvedi, Breel Embolo, Gregor Kobel, Zesiger, Christian Fassnacht and Steven Zuber.

Gavranovic had been in doubt following a knock to his right ankle, but has now recovered and is expected to lead the attack.

He’ll be supported by Djibril Sow and Xherdan Shaqiri, with Roma transfer target Denis Zakaria and Atalanta player Remo Freuler in midfield.

The first game ended 0-0 in Basel on September 5.

Switzerland have kept five consecutive clean sheets in this group, conceding only in the opening 3-1 win away to Bulgaria on March 25.

Probable line-ups

Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Acerbi, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Locatelli; Chiesa, Belotti, Insigne

Switzerland: Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Mbabu, Freuler, Zakaria, Steffen; Shaqiri, Sow; Gavranovic

14 thought on “Probable line-ups: Italy vs. Switzerland”
  1. I’m OK with this.

    My only concern is that I do believe we are becoming a bit to predictable. The comments by the Swiss Manager who pretty much said as much.

    Of course, no reason to switch as it’s a formation that has only given us 1 Loss in 38 Matches, but the Swiss will be prepared for this.

    Gallo has only had 2 matches back from injury so we really need everybody to show up.

    I do believe Jorgi will still be the Rigorista. Ever since Sommer stopped his PK in the September match, I’ve noticed when he’s with Chelsea, Jorginho has modified his technique a little.

  2. It will be a pleasure to watch a real coach manage a team that can pass the soccer ball more than 2 times in a row, and not afraid to enter the opposition’s box unlike some useless trainers. Forza USA

  3. Alright Solo Inter.

    Keep your trolling to the Inter boards. Italy boards are off limits for you. How would you like it if I trolled Argentina boards? Believe what you will, I am not American. Or maybe I am 🙂

    0230 in the UK and you are still awake? Or at work? Why don’t you take your flashlight and go for another patrol?

  4. Without being disrespectful to Belotti, I don’t feel he’s a top striker,, not someone who’d instill fear in the opponents,,yet somehow gets lots of opportunities for Italy,,, I’d rather see a false 9 ,, but end of the day Mancini knows better than me,, 3 points is what matters,, come on boys let’s beat the Swiss..

    FORZAAAA ITAALIAAA 💪🏼🇮🇹

  5. Wrong to play Belotti should start with false 9, then bring Belotti on later ion when Swiss defenders are more fatigued
    Somehow Mancini is obsessed with Ciro and Belotti

  6. Well. At least you’ve spelt Nevermind the Nirvana way, but more often than not it’s just “a cuppa!” You can say a cuppa coffee or tea, but if you’re tryin’ to take the piss out of Great British custom💂then a cuppa rosie lee might’ve been better?
    Italy are a bit predictable, same formation, an imposition of style, but they press from the front, recycle, or assault with such great speed and high numbers, that’s it’s tough for the opposition to stop. It’s risky too. But that’s Italy’s ideal now. It’s important to have a consistent structure, but they’ve also shown that when it does go awry, that they’re more than capable of adapting to any scenario. Those player’s that Mancini has available, especially the variety in midfield, could play or adapt to just about any formation. I think they’ll get a positive result, even if, to quote another quaint, British saying, they may be in for a bit of “squeaky bum” time. As even if they’re behind, the Swiss will then have to go for it at some point!

  7. @dangerboy imposter get lost alright! I only do squeaky bum time when I watch my team play on a weekly basis. Me thinks I will be doing a bit of skid mark time come next week for the away game. Forza USA

  8. I hope we have practiced our shooting at goal recently we are trying to walk the ball into the net we need more shots hitting the target

  9. But @imposterboy I thought that eating at Mama Sid’s Pizza in Athens Georgia makes me somewhat Italian. I even eat processed string cheese. I gave up on the US mens national soccer team as they never made it to the last WC in 2018. Cannot blame a guy for trying after all I am from a rural place. 🤟

  10. Solo Inter,

    You have no idea how much I am toying with you. A fellow Brit (but one with teeth), American from Georgia, Georgia, Swedish, Croat, German, keep guessing my little minion.

  11. @imposterdangerboy you keep falling for the bait. I bet when you wake up you are so quick to come on the British website and check to see what is posted. Itchy trigger finger, I live rent free in your head and you know it. Notice how you called me moron. That is the mark of a little wee boy that has lost it. Now go play on the farm in the peach state. The lesson you need is to respect everyone’s views good or bad and stop trying to be an expert in soccer. Be happy the Braves won the world series which is not really the world considering only Japan and the Dominican Republic like it. 👍

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