Euro 2020, Italy vs Switzerland: 3 key battles to watch out for in ITA vs SUI: Italy return to action in Group A of Euro 2020 against Switzerland on Thursday (IST) at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The Azzurri produced an excellent display in the opening game against Turkey and will be hoping to consolidate their top spot with another three points.
Switzerland, on the other hand, will be gutted to have not held on to secure a win over Wales in their first outing. Vladimir Petkovic’s men created a number of good chances in that game, but were left with a lot to be desired in terms of finding the back of the net.
Ahead of what promises to be an exciting clash, we delve deeper into three key battles that could decide the outcome of the game between Italy and Switzerland.
Euro 2020, Italy vs Switzerland: 3 key battles to watch out for in ITA vs SUI:
Euro 2020, Italy vs Switzerland: Key Battle 1
Lorenzo Insigne vs Nico Elvedi
The Napoli winger can be a real menace on the left flank if he is allowed space to operate. Insigne tends to drift back inside and likes to take on the shot more often than not. As such, the Italian is expected to become a real handful for Elvedi, who plays on the right side of a three-man Swiss defence.
If Switzerland are to keep Insigne in check, it is critical that Elvedi remains alert at all times. The Switzerland centre-back should also not get dragged towards the ball so much so that he loses his positional awareness, allowing Insigne to exploit the space and tuck away any opportunity that comes his way.
Euro 2020, Italy vs Switzerland: Key Battle 2
Ricardo Rodriguez vs Domenico Berardi
Barring a significant change in the Switzerland system, Rodriguez will have to deal with the threat of Berardi on the night. The Swiss wing-back relishes his role due to the attacking impetus he can provide, but it remains to be seen if he can break forward as often against Italy.
Berardi is in excellent form for the Azzurri and will look to take the game to Switzerland. In all likelihood, both Rodriguez and Berardi will be set out to make life difficult for each other. As such, this could be a key and eventful battle on the pitch.
Euro 2020, Italy vs Switzerland: Key Battle 3
Leonardo Bonucci vs Breel Embolo
It is true that Giorgio Chiellini outshined Bonucci in the opening game against Turkey. But there is no denying the importance of the central defender to this side.
Switzerland playing two strikers upfront adds further responsibility on Bonucci to match Chiellini’s levels from the last game. Embolo was excellent against Wales and can cause a problem or two with his pace and close control.
Although Bonucci is a much more refined and experienced centre-back compared to Wales’ Chris Mepham or Joe Rodon, Embolo will not shy away from being his usual self. It could be an interesting battle.