Switzerland will have hopes of replicating the success they enjoyed three years ago versus France to reach the quarter-finals, when they take on Italy in the first tie of the knockout stages.
The Swiss will be desperate to avoid a similar fate to Euro 2016 when Nati exited the tournament on penalties against Poland after a Xherdan Shaqiri wonder strike gifted them a lifeline and drew the score level.
In the biggest shock of Euro 2020, Switzerland progressed from the knockout rounds for the first time since 1938 following a penalty shootout victory over Les Blues, with Kylian Mbappe missing the crucial spotkick.
Despite a lacklustre qualifying campaign, where Murat Yakin’s side finished second behind Romania and only a couple of points above Israel, the Swiss have come alive once again in tournament football.
They secured an emphatic 3-1 victory over a Hungary side that boasted a 14-match unbeaten run coming into the finals, and won a hard-fought point against a spirited Scotland backed by the might of the Tartan Army.
Yakin’s side also came narrowly close to topping the group in the final match versus Germany if it were not for a classic late Niclas Fullkrug header.
Nati ended the group stage second, two points behind hosts Germany.
All in all, Switzerland have been presented with a wide variety of challenges and passed each with flying colours. They are teed up to make sure of back-to-back qualifications for the quarter-finals.
On the other hand, things were not as straightforward for the 2020 winners, Italy.
Azzurri found themselves a goal down inside the opening minute against Albania in their first match in defence of their trophy, it was a nightmare start.
However, Luciano Spalletti’s side responded with two goals in quick succession to claim all three points by the skin of their teeth.
Spain proved formidable opponents in the group stages; Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal was enough for La Roja to inflict defeat on the two-time European Championship trophy lifters.
With one win and one loss, Italy required at least a draw against Croatia to ensure passage to the knockout stages for the seventh time.
It was a dramatic affair; Luka Modric missed a penalty before making amends moments later to put Vatreni in the lead.
Azzurri looked to be crashing out when Mattia Zaccagni’s scintillating curling effort found the far corner in the 98th minute, jubilation for the Italian faithful in Leipzig on an unforgettable night.
Italy have not failed to progress out of the knockout stages of the Euros since 2004, when they crashed out of the group.
While, Switzerland will prove tough opponents, in defence of their crown, Spalletti’s side will make sure of their presence in the quarter-finals.
Azzurri always find a way.
Team News
Silvan Widmer picked up his second booking of the tournament in the final match of Group D against Germany, the right-back will be suspended for the last 16.
Leonidas Stergiou is expected to replace the Mainz 05 full-back as Yakin’s only change to the starting line-up.
Given Breel Embolo made his first start at Euro 2024 on Sunday, the forward pair of Ruben Vargas and Zeki Amdouni are now likely to feature on the bench, this includes Kwadwo Duah.
Italy will also have to deal with a suspension to a key player, first-choice defender Riccardo Calafiori, after accumulating two yellow cards in the group phases.
Gianluca Mancini is the favourite to fill in for the absentee, Francesco Acerbi and Giorgio Scalvini were not included in the final squad owing to pre-tournament injuries.
It is not clear as of yet whether he will play as part of a back four or a three-man rearguard. Spalletti prefers to fluctuate between the two systems.
Striker is also up for debate, neither Gianluca Scamacca nor Mateo Retegui have scored at the finals yet, but the latter could return to lead the line.
Finally, it seems Giacomo Raspadori could make way for one of Federico Chiesa or Monday night goalscorer Zaccagni.
Likely line-ups
Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Stergiou, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer; Ndoye, Vargas; Embolo
Donnarumma; Darmian, Mancini, Bastoni; Di Lorenzo, Barella, Jorginho, Pellegrini, Dimarco; Chiesa, Scamacca
Key Players
Switzerland – Michel Aebischer
Throughout the tournament, Italy have had defensive issues, particularly in a back four; therefore, it seems likely Spalletti will switch to a five.
Azzurri can sit too deep in a back five, which leaves big gaps between the lines and allows for shots from range. Switzerland like these big areas.
Step forward, Michel Aebischer.
In the 3-1 victory over Hungary, Aebischer received the ball between the lines and, on the half turn, identified the very aggressive run of Duah in behind, providing an inch-perfect line-breaking pass to tee up the forward to stroke home.
In the closing stages of the first half, once again languishing on the edge of the box, the 27-year-old fashioned the ball onto his right foot and curled it into the far corner, out of reach for Péter Gulácsi.
There is no question that the Bologna midfielder carries the greatest goal threat for the Swiss in the middle.
If Aebischer can repeat a performance like this against Italy tomorrow evening, who gift lots of space to the midfielders, Switzerland could be in business.
He possesses the attributes likely to hurt Azzurri.
Under Yakin, his role has fluctuated; however, whatever system is deployed, the midfielder will remain a key part of Nati.
Italy – Federico Dimarco
Switzerland are extremely weak defending their box from open play and set plays, they have been susceptible to crosses from out wide throughout the Euros.
The Swiss gifted Hungary a lifeline when they conceded from a Dominik Szoboszlai cross on the stroke of halftime. They also gave up the opportunity to go top when Fullkrug headed in from close range.
Even in qualifying, this weakness plagued them with Belarus and Romania having joy.
Therefore, Italy will look to exploit it, and Dimarco will be key.
Currently, Azzurri are the third-best crossers at the tournament and are extremely dangerous from set pieces, which will frighten Yakin’s side, and it is thanks to the Inter Milan defender.
Flitting between wing-back and fullback, the 26-year-old loves to get high and wide to whip in a mean cross for the likes of Mateo Retegui, Giacomo Raspadori, or Scamacca.
What’s more, he is a central part of Italy’s set-piece routines. For example, the short corner, where Spalletti’s side go short, overlap, and deliver backpost. This is how they scored against Albania in their opening match.
Also, Switzerland have a very open set piece organisation.
He will carry a significant amount of attacking threat both in set-plays and counter-attacks.
It is highly likely, Dimarco’s crossing areas will be where Italy score.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match is being played at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
What time is kick-off?
The match is scheduled for 5pm BST kick-off on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
How can I watch?
For UK viewers the first tie of the knockout stages will be broadcast on BBC One with coverage starting at 4.30pm. Fans can also watch for free via the BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer app and website.