Switzerland 0-0 Italy: Italy break unbeaten record with draw despite Jorginho penalty miss

Italy’s 0-0 draw against Switzerland earned them a place in the record books for the longest unbeaten run ever in international football.

The stalemate was their 36th consecutive match without defeat, which gives them sole ownership of the record they equalled last week against Bulgaria with a 1-1 draw.

Italy are unlikely to be too happy, however, after Jorginho had a penalty kick saved as they dropped points for the second match in succession.

Domenico Berardi, favoured over Federico Chiesa, was presented with a golden opportunity to break the deadlock after a wonderful through ball by Manuel Locatelli, but he had his effort saved.

A reckless foul by Ricardo Rodriguez on Berardi five minutes into the second half saw Italy awarded a penalty, but Jorginho’s tame spot kick was saved by Yann Sommer.

Chiesa and Marco Verratti were introduced by Roberto Mancini as Italy looked for a way through, but Switzerland held their own to claim a point as the Azzurri’s Euro 2020 hangover continued.

Some claim Brazil also hold a 36-game record but one of the matches, against Romania, is not official recognised.

While it’s not yet time for Mancini to panic, with Italy still sitting at the top of their World Cup qualification group, this was another performance that proved the Azzurri have yet to find top gear following the Euros. They had plenty of the ball in Basel, but lacked cutting edge as Berardi, Insigne and Jorginho all missed golden opportunities to find the back of the net. Italy will need to improve in future matches.

He was one of the best goalkeepers at Euro 2020 and Sommer once again demonstrated his quality with an excellent performance for Switzerland against the European champions. The 32-year-old made Jorginho look foolish from the spot, but he also made a series of important stops in open play, including one from Berardi in the first half and several from Insigne who just couldn’t find a way past the Swiss number one.

Switzerland - Sommer 9, Widmer 6, Akanji 8, Elvedi 6, Rodriguez 4, Aebischer 6, Frei 5, Sow 5, Zuber 6, Steffen 6, Seferovic 5. Subs - Garcia 5, Zakaria 7, Zeqiri 6, Vargas 5, Fassnacht 5.

Italy - Donnarumma 6, Di Lorenzo 6, Bonucci 6, Chiellini 7, Emerson 5, Barella 7, Jorginho 4, Locatelli 7, Berardi 4, Immobile 5, Insigne 5. Subs - Verratti 5, Chiesa 6, Zaniolo 5, Pessina 3, Raspadori 3.

18’ BERARDI IS THROUGH... saved! Italy really should have taken the lead! Berardi was released in behind, he had nearly the full Switzerland half to run into, but Sommer makes the save!

49’ PENALTY KICK TO ITALY! Rodriguez slides in at pace on Berardi and the referee points to the spot!

53’ PENALTY SAVED! It's Jorginho who takes the spot kick in trademark fashion, but Sommer didn't move and that's an easy one for the experienced Swiss goalkeeper to stop!

Italy failed to find the back of the net for the first time in 17 matches, but are still unbeaten in 36 (all competitions).

Jorginho missed his first penalty kick for Italy (excluding penalty shootouts) having scored his last five.