Italy break international undefeated record with Switzerland draw in World Cup qualifying

Roberto Mancini’s side were last beaten in 2018, breaking a mark set by Spain and Brazil previously

Italy have set a new record for an undefeated run for an international side, with Roberto Mancini’s men now without a loss in their last 36 matches.

The Azzurri reached the mark with a scoreless draw against Switzerland in World Cup qualifying on Sunday.

That point set a new best in terms of matches undefeated, surpassing the Brazil side from 1993-96 and the great Spain side of 2007-09.

Italy’s undefeated run

Italy’s run started in 2018 following a 1-0 defeat to Portugal in National League action on September 10.

The first match of the sequence was a 1-1 home draw against Ukraine.

It continued through Euro 2020 qualifying, including a group that featured the likes of Greece, Finland and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and then more impressively in a Nations League pool that included Netherlands, Poland and Bosnia once again.

Roberto Mancini then led his side to Euro 2020 glory, impressing in the group stages before grinding their way to the title thanks to an extra-time win over Austria, a fine success over Belgium then back-to-back wins on penalties over Spain and England.

Ironically, Jorginho, who slotted the winning penalty in the European Championship, missed a spot kick that would have sealed the run against Switzerland.

Despite their undefeated run, Italy have now drawn four of their last five matches over 90 minutes. 

They remain in a strong position in World Cup Group C, sitting on 11 points through five matches, four ahead of the Swiss.

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