Switzerland vs Italy: Head to head statistics
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Switzerland vs Italy recommended bets
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Switzerland vs Italy match preview
After a very controversial defeat on Thursday night, Italy really need to get some points on the board here.
In their group opener, Gli Azzurrini took on group favourites France in Cluj-Napoca, and found themselves a goal down mid-way through the first half.
Nevertheless, they were level shortly after, Sandro Tonali’s free-kick headed home by Pietro Pellegri, only for Les Bleuets to restore their lead on the hour mark, thanks largely to Destiny Udogie’s catastrophic error.
France were then reduced to ten-men, Wilfried Gnonto hacked down, before, in the 92nd minute, Raoul Bellanova had seemingly snatched an equaliser.
His header cannoned off the post, clearly went over the line before being cleared, but referee Allard Lindhout did not agree.
With no VAR or goal-line technology in operation, Italy were denied a precious point, so unjustly slumped to a 2-1 defeat.
No such concerns for Switzerland, who made a winning start to their campaign against Norway at Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu.
Rossocrociati had to come from behind to achieve this, with Dan Ndoye emphatically equalising in the 35th minute, bursting past defenders before lashing into the net
Then, shortly after half time, Kastriot Imeri bagged, what turned out to be, the winner, curling home from the edge of the area.
Switzerland haven’t reached the knockout phase of this competition since 2011, getting all the way to the final back then.
Now though, another win for Patrick Rahmen’s team would book their place in the quarter-finals, while even a draw would leave them well-placed.
Who will prevail at Cluj Arena?
Switzerland team news
Dan Ndoye was always likely to be this team’s star, bagging his eighth goal for the U21s on Thursday, including netting the winner against England at this tournament two years ago.
Zeki Amdouni came off the bench against Norway, having bagged a brace for the senior national team less than 72 hours earlier.
Italy team news
Wilfried Gnonto was introduced at half time against France and was excellent, so will surely start this time.
A year ago, he became Italy’s youngest-ever goalscorer, netting against Germany in the UEFA Nations League, aged 18 years and 222 days, breaking a record that had stood since 1958.
Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie could keep his place at left-wing-back, despite his costly error on Thursday, while Newcastle bound Sandro Tonali will captain the team in midfield.
Under-21 Euros Group D table
Under-21 Euros Group D results and fixtures
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