Here are our picks for the key battle from the first knockout game.
Ruben Vargas of Switzerland reacts during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Switzerland at Cologne Stadium on June 19, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
New Delhi: Defending Champions Italy face Switzerland in their final-16 of UEFA Euro 2024. Both teams have come to this level thanks to standout performances and experiences of veteran campaigners. As the competition enters the elimination stage, every player will have a big impact on their team’s performance. Here are some of the players who could decide the fate of the game as the two sides clash In Berlin.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – JUNE 15: Federico Chiesa of Italy looks on during the Group B – UEFA EURO 2024 match between Italy and Albania at Signal Iduna Park on June 15, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Federico Chiesa vs Ruben Vargas.
Federico Chiesa was important in Italy’s Euro 2020 win. He was the man of the match in the side’s opening game in this edition of Euros. However, he has failed to register a goal or make an assist in the tournament. He is ranked 15th in his side’s passing accuracy with 68%. This could all change, and he is the kind of player who can deliver on the big stage. In his 50 appearances for Italy, he scored seven times.
On the other hand, there will be Ruben Vargas, who has had a campaign similar to Chiesa’s. Though his passing accuracy is slightly better, both have been scrutinised with their performance and will look to outperform the other. Vargas started in their opening game, where his side won 3-1 against Hungary. In their 1-1 draw, Vargas’ goal was ruled offside, resulting in Switzerland failing to win Group A.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – JUNE 24: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy celebrates after the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Croatia and Italy at Football Stadium Leipzig on June 24, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Gianluigi Donnarumma vs Yann Sommer
Italy’s captain, Gianluigi Donnarumma, was crucial in steering the team to the knockout stage. In their campaign so far, Italy has only scored three goals, which meant the opponents kept the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper busy. His 11 saves are the most by any Italian goalkeeper in a group stage of a major tournament since 2012, highlighting his leadership and defensive prowess.
On the other hand, Yann Sommer played full matches in all the group games. Though both have conceded three goals, the Swiss goalkeeper has made only five saves. Still, the 35-year-old will have tricks up his sleeve to outwit his Inter-Milan teammates.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – JUNE 19: Granit Xhaka of Switzerland spits out water during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Switzerland at Cologne Stadium on June 19, 2024 in Cologne, Germany.(Photo by Jürgen Fromme – firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Granit Xhaka vs Jorghinno
This season has been a triumph for Granit Xhaka, and he has had a chance to lead his country to success. Granit Xhaka’s journey to Euro 2024 has been fueled by his recent success in the domestic campaign with Bayer Leverkusen as they won its first Bundesliga title in their 120-year history. It has undoubtedly made him confident that he will do well in the tournament. Though his international career has been full of setbacks, the country will hope that he can captain his side to the championship.
Jorghinno from the Italian dressing room will hope to continue his antics with the ball, which has created trouble for his opposite numbers throughout the tournament. Though statistically, Xhaka’s blocking, ball control and recovery is far better, Jorghinno can still be dangerous.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – JUNE 19: Breel Embolo of Switzerland reacts when he has a goal ruled offside during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Switzerland at Cologne Stadium on June 19, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Breel Embolo vs Mateo Retegui
Switzerland’s Breel Embolo has been in great form in the last two weeks. In three games with a total playing time of 111 minutes in the tournament, Embolo scored one goal from one attempted shot. Embolo’s high speed of 33 km/hour and ability to cover a total distance of 12.71 km during the match speak volumes about his physical ability. He is known for running into the key areas and is more involved in the Swiis attacks.
Retegui has had a quiet tournament failing to score a goal or provide assists in the three games He has a total of three attempted shots, which is a testament to what he can do on a big stage. His passing accuracy is 54% from 17 passes, with 11 successfully completed.
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