Italy ought to stay calm of their preparations for Friday’s essential FIFA World Cup qualifier in opposition to Switzerland, however they are going to be with out injured pair Lorenzo Pellegrini and Niccol Zaniolo for the match, Azzurri’s coach Roberto Mancini stated on Monday.
The European champions are degree 14 factors on the prime of Group C with the Swiss, however sit first on objective distinction, forward of their assembly at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
The winners would subsequently be in pole place to safe an automated qualification spot for Qatar 2022 with one sport remaining, and the 2 sides couldn’t cut up throughout the 0–0 attract Basel in September.
The losers should accept a playoff spot after an embarrassing playoff defeat by Sweden throughout 2018 World Cup qualifying, a daunting prospect for Italy.
“We must remain calm as we prepare for this important game,” Mancini advised a information convention.
“Games in opposition to Switzerland are at all times powerful and it’ll occur on Friday as properly. If we play like the primary sport we will get nice outcomes, however I consider we will do even higher. It’s going to be an essential match, so you’ll be able to’t put together for it with pressure.”
Mancini revealed that Pellegrini and Zaniolo have been despatched house from camp with bodily issues, whereas midfielder Nicolo Barella will likely be monitored after a knock.
Italy’s workforce is basically made up of the identical gamers who gained Euro 2020 in July, however Torino midfielder Tommaso Pobega received his first call-up. . He has nice qualities, he’s right here as a result of he has been doing properly for a while,” Mancini stated.
“I do not know what to match him to. He is a bodily and technical participant with an excellent left foot. He can direct the sport however will also be an attacking midfielder, he’s younger and clever.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
