Stadio Olimpico is the place where Italy hosted Switzerland in this vital World Cup qualifier. Let’s take a look at the player ratings.
Both Italy and Switzerland entered this World Cup qualifier encounter with 14 points each and hoped to beat the other team in order to increase their chances of going through. Azzurri had the home advantage as the game was being played at Stadio Olimpico.
But little did they know that the visitors had an early surprise ready for the home side. Just 12 minutes in the match and the Swiss took the lead with a sensational strike from Widmer. Steffan spotted the right-back making his run to the box and glided a ball towards him which was purely connected past the helpless Donnarumma.
Switzerland were the ferocious side during the first half, with constant threat to the local boys. However, before the end of the first half, Italy pulled one back as Di Lorenzo headed on home for his nation. A clever free-kick from his side had Sommer confused as Insigne and Emerson charged for the ball. But, their colleague tricked the opposing goalkeeper with a header for the equaliser.
After the Italians walked out of the tunnel for the second half, they had a different spirit running through their veins. There was a sense of urgency among them and they performed likewise, with frequent counter-attacks and shots on target. The ultimate scoring chance came in the 90th minute for Italy’s Jorginho as he was handed a penalty kick due to Garcia’s foul on Berardi.
To everyone’s surprise, the Chelsea midfielder aired the penalty in an attempt to power the shot past goalkeeper Sommer. Switzerland nearly landed a goal in the injury-time as Zakaria’s cross was blocked by Donnarumma, who failed to control it and lost it to Zeqiri. But the substitute fluffed the shot and Italy were in relief as they settled for a draw at the end.
The points are shared equally which means that both the nations move on to the final stage of the qualifiers with 15 points each. Italy have a slight upper hand because of the goal difference and they face Northern Ireland in their next game. Whereas, Switzerland will go against Bulgaria next time out, with both sides looking for all three points to qualify.
Player ratings
Italy: Donnarumma (5), Bonucci (6), Acerbi (7), Di Lorenzo (9), Emerson (7), Jorginho (4), Barella (5), Locatelli (4), Chiesa (3), Insigne (6), Belotti (5).
Bench: Tonali (6), Berardi (7) Cristanta (5), Calabria (6), Raspodori (6).
Switzerland: Sommer (7), Akanji (6), Schar (5), Widmer (9), Rodriguez (7), Zakaria (7), Freuler (7), Steffen (6), Shaqiri (4), Vargas (4), Okafor (4).
Bench: Imeri (6), Garcia (3), Sow (7), Frei (6), Zeqiri (4).
Feel free to make your pick on player ratings and performances using the widget below.
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