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Italy vs Switzerland: Mancini’s men can book Last 16 spot and equal 31-year record

Italy could become the first team to book a place in the Last 16 stage of Euro 2020 when they take on Switzerland in Rome.

When: Wednesday, June 16, 20:00 BST

How to watch: ITV1

Follow this game live via our score centre

Best Bets

Italy to win to nil at 7/5

Correct score 2-0 at 11/2

Ciro Immobile to score anytime at 13/10

Under 2.5 goals at 4/6.

In 875 minutes of soccer, Italy haven't conceded a goal - that is a run of nine consecutive clean sheets.

In fact, the Italians could equal their run of ten consecutive clean sheets in Wednesday's clash with Switzerland; a run they last recorded between November 1989 and June 1990.

Italy's goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma

Before Euro 2020 began, many placed Italy in the 'dark horse' category. However, since their 3-0 thrashing of Turkey in the tournament's opener, many are now considering Roberto Mancini's men to be one of the frontrunners.

Italy may not have a squad that is full of star names like it did in the past. Yet despite this, Mancini has been able to create a team that has now won nine straight games and is unbeaten in 28.

Switzerland have a tough task ahead of them and it's no surprise to see them priced at 11/2.

Last Three Matches

Switzerland 1-1 Italy (Friendly - June 5, 2010)
Italy's 2010 World Cup preparations saw them clash with Switzerland in Geneva.
Marcello Lippi's men went 1-0 down after just ten minutes when Gokhan Inler opened the scoring for the Swiss.
Moments later, Italy responded with a goal from Fabio Quagliarella to make it 1-1. There were no further goals as the game ended in a draw.
Switzerland 0-0 Italy (Friendly - August 12, 2009)
There was far less on offer when the two sides went head-to-head in 2009.
The game ended in a goalless draw as 31,500 fans left the stadium in Berne on a disappointing note.
Switzerland 1-1 Italy (Friendly - May 31, 2006)
Another draw ensued when Switzerland and Italy clashed in Geneva.
Alberto Gilardino got the opener in the 11th minute for Italy but his strike was cancelled out by Daniel Gygax later on in the first-half.
Once again, the 30,000 fans left the ground without seeing the winning goal.

Last ten head-to-heads

Italy wins: 3

Draws: 6

Switzerland wins: 1

Italy goals: 11

Switzerland goals: 8

Almost three years unbeaten

It's been nearly three years since Italy last tasted defeat. Question is, will that still be the case by the time this tournament ends?

As things stand, Italy are fourth favourites to lift the Henri Delaunay trophy at the price of 13/2. With the team in sensational form, it's hard to bet against them.

Italy celebrating their 3-0 win over Turkey

The Italians will be the first nation to secure a Last 16 spot with a victory over Switzerland. That would certainly go against the norm as Italy have only ever won their opening two games in two of their last nine European Championships.
On the other hand, going against the norm is how this team rolls. This is not the Italy side which sits back once they've taken the lead. This is not the Italy side which relies on its stars. This is, in fact, an entirely different animal.

Swiss have everything going against them

The bookmakers don't fancy Switzerland. The stats don't fancy Switzerland. Most of the fans in the stadium will be against Switzerland. Even the history books are against the Switzerland.

Nevertheless, Vladimir Petkovic's side are coming into Wednesday's game in good spirits.

Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri

The Swiss are unbeaten in eight straight games - a run that includes six victories. What's more, many would argue that in spite of their 1-1 draw with Wales, they were the more dominant side.

Switzerland are a threat and Italy will be made to work hard if they are to secure progression and break their clean sheet record.

Goalscorer bets

This fixture is taking place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. In other words, welcome to Ciro Immobile's circus.

The Lazio forward has scored 92 goals in his 118 appearances at the stadium since joining the club in 2016.

Italy's Ciro Immobile

The player scored against Turkey last Friday and he will be looking to get on the scoresheet again.

READ MORE: Jadon Sancho now 'likely' to join Manchester United as deal nears completion

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