Over the last couple of years, the Italian National team have been through some difficult times World Cup winners in 2006, to suddenly facing a defeat in the quarter-finals of the 2016 European Championship and failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
It is safe to say that Italy had seen better days.
Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was brought in as head coach of the Italian National team in 2018 to change the fortunes of an international powerhouse, and Mancini has passed with flying colours.
Roberto Mancini took Italy’s grit and heart and used it in combination with an attacking style of play, which was on full display as Italy took home gold in England’s backyard at Euro 2020.
Switzerland has also been on an upwards trajectory as they have advanced into the knockout rounds in the last two tournaments, and hope to appear in the World cup in Qatar next year.
The Italians stand first and the Swiss stand second in Group C, with a clear daylight between them and the other remaining teams in the group. Therefore, coming into this game, the top spot was up for grabs.
In this tactical analysis, I will be analysing Switzerland’s excellent defensive display and the intricacies that were involved in nullifying Italy’s attacking quality, as well as Italy’s first-half woes and How Roberto Mancinis changes allowed Italy to improve in the second half.
Lastly, I will cover Switzerland’s attacking transitions, which were their main form of attack.
Italy Vs Switzerland Lineup
Italy started this game in a 4-3-3 formation, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.
In defence: Emerson Palmieri, Francesco Acerbi, Leonardo Bonucci, and Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
In midfield, Nicolò Barella, Jorginho, and Manuel Locatelli.
In attack, Juventus’ Federico Chiesa, Lorenzo Insigne and Andrea Belotti.
Switzerland utilised a 4-2-3-1 formation with Yann Sommer in goal.
In defence, Silvan Widmer, Fabian Schär, Borussia Dortmund’s Manuel Akanji, and Ricardo Rodriguez.
In midfield, Remo Freuler, Denis Zakaria, Renato Steffen, Xherdan Shaqiri, Ruben Vargas.
In attack, Noah Okafor as a lone striker.
Switzerland’s Defensive Organisation
Going into this game against Italy, Switzerland had only conceded 1 goal in their previous matches in World Cup qualifying, and their strong defence was on display once again.
Switzerland’s defensive organisation can be split up into two phases, the first being a 4-2-3-1 high press.
Within t
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