Euro 2024‘s knockout phase kicks off with a tantalizing encounter between neighboring rivals Switzerland and Italy in Berlin on Saturday. The winner of this last-16 clash will progress to face either England or Slovakia in the next round.
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Switzerland’s Gritty Determination
The Swiss narrowly missed out on topping Group A after a late equalizer from Germany in their final group match. Despite the setback, Murat Yakin’s men remain undefeated and boast an impressive streak of reaching the knockout stages at six major tournaments in a row, dating back to 2014.
However, their record in the last-16 round is less inspiring. Excluding penalty shootouts, they haven’t secured a win outright in their last seven attempts. Nevertheless, their dramatic penalty shootout victory over France in Euro 2016 could provide a psychological boost for this crucial encounter.
Italy’s Rocky Road to Redemption
While Italy holds the historical upper hand, their recent form paints a different picture. The reigning champions still carry the scars of two draws against Switzerland that ultimately cost them a place at the 2022 World Cup.
Luciano Spalletti’s side scraped through Group B thanks to a last-gasp equalizer against Croatia. Their shaky performances raise questions about their ability to defend their title, especially considering their struggles from the penalty spot.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Switzerland will be without suspended right-back Silvan Widmer, with Leonidas Stergiou expected to fill the gap. Upfront, Breel Embolo is likely to retain his starting spot after making his first international appearance in a while. Midfield maestro Granit Xhaka will undoubtedly be a key figure for the Swiss, alongside the assist machine Remo Freuler.
Italy will also miss a suspended defender in Riccardo Calafiori. Gianluca Mancini is the frontrunner to replace him, though Spalletti’s formation choice (back four or back three) remains unclear. Injuries have also depleted Italy’s options, with Federico Dimarco out and Nicolo Fagioli a possible replacement for Jorginho in midfield. Upfront, Gianluca Scamacca and Mattia Zaccagni could get the nod over their counterparts.
A Tight Contest Expected
This match promises to be a tense affair between two familiar foes. Switzerland boasts a strong contingent of players who ply their trade in Italy’s Serie A, adding another layer of intrigue.
Italy’s history of extra-time appearances in knockout matches suggests this encounter might need additional time to be settled. While Italy holds the Euro 2020 trophy, Switzerland’s resilience and potential penalty shootout advantage shouldn’t be underestimated.