Still on a high from triumph at Euro 2020, Italy lead Group C on goal difference from the Swiss, with the pair battling for a single guaranteed place in next year's tournament in Qatar.
Roberto Mancini took control of the Azzurri in the toxic aftermath of their failure to make the last World Cup in Russia, the first time they had missed out on a place in six decades, and is well aware of the significance of making it this time round.
"It's important that we play well because after the Euro it's the biggest match of the year. We know we have to win," said Mancini.
However Mancini tried to maintain a semblance of calm for a fixture that would put Italy back on football's biggest stage after eight years.