Reigning Euro champions Italy will truly begin its defense Saturday when it opens the round of 16 at Euro 2024 against Switzerland. The Azzurri finished second in Group B behind Spain, while Switzerland were runners-up in Group A against Germany. These sides most recently played to a 0-0 draw in 2022 World Cup qualification in Switzerland but they did also play each other in the group stage at the last Euros. Italy won that match 3-0.
Here’s what you need to know for the match, with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Switzerland v. Italy
Date: Saturday, June 29
Time: 12 p.m. ET
TV channel: FS1, Univision
Livestream: fuboTV, Foxsports.com
Moneyline odds (regular time)
Switzerland: +235
Draw: +190
Italy: +150
Odds to advance
Switzerland: +115
Italy: -145
Moneyline pick: Draw +190
Pick to advance: Switzerland +115
Neither team looked particularly poor in the group stage but the defending champions were far less impressive. Losing some key veterans has taken its toll, which was on display within the first 30 seconds against Albania. Italy gave up the fastest goal in Euro history on a careless throw-in, and it appears the Azzurri don’t have that championship focus. If it wasn’t for Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy would’ve been blasted by Spain. Switzerland was a stoppage-time goal away from having two wins and top billing in Group A, and will hope to make good after a run to the quarterfinals at the last Euro.
Swiss defender Silvan Widmer is out for this match thanks to a second yellow card in the group stage. The Italians are also missing a key defender with Riccardo Calafiori out with a suspension.
Italy’s playing style is similar to Switzerland’s, and Donnarumma has been excellent in this tournament. I do think the Azzurri have had some time to re-focus and that will lead to a strong defensive effort in regulation. I see this match going to extra time and potentially penalties, where I think Switzerland is worth backing as the underdog after winning in the last Euro round of 16 against France on penalties.