Euro 2024: Switzerland Ready For Italy In Last-16 Showdown
Switzerland midfielder Remo Freuler has expressed confidence ahead of their Euro 2024 last-16 clash with Italy in Berlin. Murat Yakin's team, who finished second in Group A behind Germany, aim to end an 11-game winless streak against the Azzurri on Saturday. Freuler, who played for Bologna on loan from Nottingham Forest last season and previously with Atalanta, acknowledges the personal significance of this match.
"Of course, it's not a match like any other for me. In Italy I built my career, also finding an ideal country to spend my life with my family," he said. "On Saturday, however, there won't be all this love. It's a round of 16 and there will be no room for feelings." Freuler emphasised that the Swiss team is not intimidated by the reigning champions.
Italy are striving to become the second team to win consecutive European Championships. They secured four points from their three group matches. The Azzurri narrowly avoided elimination thanks to Mattia Zaccagni's late goal that earned a 1-1 draw against Croatia on matchday three.
Head coach Luciano Spalletti expects a better performance from his squad. "We deserved to go through in terms of what we produced out there. We were a bit soft at times during the game; we did not necessarily play our best football," he stated. "We were timid and need to do more." Spalletti highlighted the need for his players to engage more in physical challenges and avoid trivial mistakes.
Freuler believes that performing well in the initial stages is crucial but insists that the decisive matches are yet to come. "Doing well in the first part of the tournament is important. The matches that make the difference, those capable of changing the dimension of a national team, however, are others," he said. "But I'm not afraid. Switzerland are not afraid of Italy."
Key Players
Switzerland - Remo Freuler: Freuler has assisted three goals in his last four European Championship appearances for Switzerland, including one in their 1-1 draw with Germany. He aims to add more assists in Berlin.
Italy - Gianluigi Donnarumma: Italy captain Donnarumma was busy during their group stage matches, making 11 saves—the most by an Italian goalkeeper since Gianluigi Buffon at Euro 2012.
The upcoming match will be Switzerland and Italy's fifth encounter at a major international tournament. The Swiss won both games at the 1954 World Cup but have lost their last two meetings: once at the 1962 World Cup and again at Euro 2020.
Match Prediction
The contest in Berlin could extend beyond regular time as Italy have seen 15 of their last 26 knockout matches go to extra-time, including four of their last five. Despite being underdogs, Switzerland enter this match with confidence after losing just one of their last 13 European Championship games (four wins, eight draws).
Excluding shoot-outs, Switzerland have struggled in knockout stages of major tournaments, failing to win any of their seven last-16 matches (three draws, four defeats). Their only progression came at Euro 2020 when they beat France on penalties.
Opta Win Probability
| Team | Win Probability (%) |
|---|---|
| Switzerland | 31.4% |
| Draw | 30.3% |
| Italy | 38.4% |
The Swiss hope to improve their record while Italy look forward to continuing their quest for back-to-back titles.
Time for some training action Thanks for the game @jungundwild #natimiteuch #lanatiavecvous #lanaticonvoi #lanaticunvus #euro2024 pic.twitter.com/OqaVOWN0yU
— Nati (@nati_sfv_asf) June 25, 2024
Shaping up for Saturday #SUIITA #EURO2024 #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/HfOPIYCAbI
— Italy (@Azzurri_En) June 26, 2024
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