Xherdan Shaqiri insists Switzerland go into the World Cup qualifier with Italy feeling ‘more positive’ than their 3-0 defeat over the summer would suggest.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Friday at 19.45 GMT.
These sides already met at the same venue during UEFA EURO 2020, Italy running out 3-0 winners thanks to a Manuel Locatelli brace and late Ciro Immobile effort.
“I am here with a different, more positive sensation to when we played at the Olimpico in the Euros,” said Shaqiri in his press conference.
“It’s a new season, a new coach, we look to the future with optimism and want to show a reaction compared to the game in June, recovering some of the pride we lost in that game.”
The teams are currently neck-and-neck at the top of World Cup qualifying Group C on 14 points, separated only by goal difference.
The Azzurri are on +11 and Switzerland +9, so regardless of tomorrow’s result, the leaders will only be guaranteed after the final games against Northern Ireland and Bulgaria respectively.
“This is the game of the year for us and it would be sensational to win. Italy are clearly the favourites, they have extraordinary quality and we expect it to be a great match.”
Italy aren’t the only ones with numerous injury problems, as Switzerland are missing Granit Xhaka, Haris Seferovic, Nico Elvedi, Breel Embolo, Gregor Kobel, Zesiger, Christian Fassnacht and Steven Zuber.
“This is football and injuries are part of football,” continued Shaqiri. “It’s an opportunity for other players to step up and prove what they can do.
“Italy have a similar problem, we simply have to do our best in the circumstances. The objective is to beat Italy, so we’re coming here not to clam up in defence, but to irritate our opponents with well-prepared tactics.”
LIVE TMW – Svizzera, Shaqiri: “Per noi quella di domani sarà la gara dell’anno…” https://t.co/Wfrpc7dQAQ
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) November 11, 2021