The brand new European champion made history again after surpassing the record of undefeated matches held by Spain and Brazil. Now, those of Mancini seek to certify the Group C lead with three points against Lithuania after the last two draws against Bulgaria and Switzerland (follow today’s game live on As.com).
Italy, a priori favorite, receives in the Mapei Stadium, Emilia-Romagna region and Sassuolo stadium, to the selection of Lithuania who still does not know the victory this year, and has eight defeats to his credit. The Azzurra already defeated (0-2) the Lithuanian team in the first leg thanks to the many of Sensi and Inmobile, from penalty.
Despite the record achieved in Basel, the Italian coach highlighted at a press conference the physical tiredness suffering theirs due to the load of encounters. Thus, Verratti and Pellegrini, both with mild discomfort, returned yesterday to Paris and Rome, and will not be available for tonight’s meeting. Also, changes are expected in almost all lines, since the departure of Bonucci and Chiellini to enter Bastoni and Acerbi. In the engine room, Sensi, will replace Jorginho and Pessina to Barella. Inmobile will have rest and will leave his position to the young forward of Sassuolo, Scraper. What’s more, Bernardeschi is another option that Mancini uses to give rest to Distinguished.
The real rival of the Italians in the fight for the first place of Group C, is Switzerland, second in the group, and that tonight is measured against Northern Ireland, in Belfast. What’s more, the Swiss team has two fewer games than Italy, and the full of victories of the Yakin would place them leaders.