FIFA World Cup Friendlies: Italy 1-1 Switzerland

Gokhan Inler opened the scoring early for the Swiss

Italy looked to finally get it right against Switzerland in their last World Cup friendly match before the Finals. However, they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Fabio Quagliarella‘s header cancelling out Gokhan Inler’s opener for the Swiss.

Switzerland started brightly, taking advantage of Italy’s shakiness in the opening period. The absence of Andrea Pirlo seemed to be telling on the Italians.

Inler fired the Swiss in front with a low footed shot into the bottom corner which evaded Italian backup goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.

La Nazionale answered back just 5 minutes later as Montolivo crossed for Quagliarella to provide an excellent headed finish which bounced in off the post.

The tempo seemed to slow down afer that as each side cautiously tried to break the deadlock. The Italians came closest with Giampola Pazzini just unable to stretch enough to make contact and send the ball into the back of the net.

The half ended 1-1 as neither side seemed able to take control of the proceedings.

The second half continued in similar fashion to the first. The game was largely played in the middle of the park as both defences resolutely held on.

Antonio Di Natale was introduced by Lippi and immediately made an impact as he whipped in an inviting cross for Pazzini. The Swiss defense cleared the danger however.

The game petered out after that with neither side looking to go the extra mile and secure victory. The game ended 1-1.

The Italians have done rather poorly in their warm-up matches which should serve as a warning to coach Marcello Lippi of things to come. The Italians have never looked weaker and are my favourites for first giant to crash out at this year’s World Cup.