Switzerland stalemate boosts Italy qualification chances
Switzerland were held to a 0-0 draw by Northern Ireland, meaning they cannot overtake Italy in the World Cup qualifying group before their showdown.
The back-to-back draws against Bulgaria and Switzerland had damaged the Azzurri’s status in Group C.
Their situation is also tricky because they will play the Nations League in October, so Switzerland can catch them up with two games in hand.
They will then go head-to-head at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on November 12, before the final fixtures as Italy visit Northern Ireland and Switzerland host Bulgaria on November 15.
There was a double boost this evening, as the Nazionale crushed Lithuania 5-0, while Switzerland were held 0-0 by Northern Ireland, with Haris Seferovic seeing his penalty saved.
That means Italy now have 14 points after six matches, while Switzerland are on eight points from four games.
So even if Switzerland win their two games in hand, which are at home to Northern Ireland on October 9 and away to Lithuania on October 12, they will at best be level with Italy in top spot.
Italy have a far superior goal difference too, at +11 compared to +3, thanks in part to tonight’s 5-0 against Lithuania.
Only the group winners go directly into the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as the runners-up will head for the play-offs.