Leonardo Bonucci said on Thursday he wants Italy to forget the pain of failing to qualify for last World Cup as European champions prepare for a crucial match for next year’s tournament in Qatar.
Italy face Switzerland on Friday in Rome, hoping to return to the biggest stage of international football after their disastrous campaign for the 2018 World Cup, which they lost to Sweden in a play-off for the first time in six decades. .
But Bonucci says the Azzurri, who are ahead of the Swiss at the top of Group C in goal difference, need to play with the same joy that took them to Euro 2020 in the summer.
“The 2017 experience has been with us just like any positive or negative experience,” Bonucci said.
“They make their mark but we need to look ahead, experience it with the right level of pressure and no more worrying about the final at Wembley. We need to bring some joy to the pitch.”
Boosting Italy’s chances in their final two qualifying matches against Switzerland and Northern Ireland, which they face at Windsor Park on Monday, there is news that Nicolo Barella is fit to play in midfield.
Barela walked into the middle of the second half of last weekend’s Milan derby and there was a doubt.
However, opposite captain Giorgio Chiellini and starting centre-forward Ciro Immobile have recovered in time for the two crucial matches.
“He’s doing well, he trained yesterday. He’s doing well and I think he can be on the pitch tomorrow,” said coach Roberto Mancini.
Mancini said he was not sure who would replace Immobile, although Italian media reports Andrea Belotti would start as the striker.
“With regards to forwards we have training today and even tomorrow, we are close to making a decision but we haven’t yet, and whatever decision we make is not going to change much anyway.”
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