Italy, the reigning European champions, drew without goals (0-0) during their visit to Switzerland, this Sunday in Basel, in group C of the European qualification phase for the World Cup in Qatar-2022, and set a new record of games in a row without losing (36) in national team football.
Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer made a particularly noteworthy contribution and got a penalty on Jorginho in the 53rd minute.
The Italians, who had started in March with a full three wins, now have a second consecutive draw after the one registered against Bulgaria (1-1) on Thursday.
They add 11 points in the standings and maintain at least their four-unit advantage over Switzerland (7 points), which is second but has two less games played, so the battle for first place seems open.
With their two draws this week, Italy have yet to win since winning the European Championship in July.
With now 36 games in a row without defeat, Italy set a new record in national team football.
Thus, he leaves behind the record of 35 that he had reached on Thursday and that was previously held by Spain, which had achieved its streak between 2006 and 2009.
Brazil also had 35 consecutive games without losing between 1993 and 1996, but with an important nuance, the defeat in between against Uruguay in the penalty shoot-out of the 1995 Copa América final.
Now Italy, whose last defeat dates back to September 2018 in a match against Portugal (1-0), is setting a new mark, which it can extend on Wednesday, when it will host Lithuania, in another match of this World Cup qualifying phase. The rival seems favorable since the Lithuanians are bottom of the key, with four defeats in as many games.
Switzerland will visit Northern Ireland on the same day. (AFP)
Italy draws in Switzerland, but sets new record for undefeated matches
