Verratti boost

ITALY v SWITZERLAND

(ITV, 8pm)

ITALY are increasingly optimistic star man Marco Verratti will be fit to play some part in the group stages — and the midfielder could be named on the bench against Switzerland tonight.

Verratti missed Italy’s opener with a knee injury, but played 20 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday and is back training.

“He is improving day by day,” said Italy coach Roberto Mancini, ahead of tonight’s game in Rome. “We will see if he will be able to be on the bench against Switzerland, but we are very optimistic about his condition.”