Switzerland vs Italy: Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | UEFA Euro 2024
Preview
Switzerland vs Italy will be the first Round of 16 game in Euro 2024 and will take place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 29.
The Swiss will enter this game having qualified for the knockouts as runners-up in Group A behind hosts Germany. They defeated Hungary 3-1, before playing 1-1 draws against Scotland and Germany to progress. They have a good chance of progressing as the team looks to be in form and will try to thwart Italy’s advances.
The Azzurri, on the other hand, secured all three results en-route qualifying in second place in Group B. They defeated Albania 2-1 in their first game, before losing 1-0 to Spain and then securing a 1-1 draw against Croatia. While they look decent defensively, they will need to amp their efforts up in attack should they have hopes of retaining their title.
That said, let’s take a look at the team news.
Switzerland vs Italy Team News
Switzerland
Manager Murat Yakin played a full-strength team in each of his team’s three games, but made constant changes to who would lead the line. However, the combination against Germany seemed to be the best one.
Yann Sommer will continue in goal and will look for his first clean sheet, with Manuel Akanji and Fabian Schar in defence in front of him. Skipper Granit Xhaka will man the midfield alongside Remo Freuler and Silvan Widmer. Breel Embolo will lead the line for his team.
Italy
Manager Luciano Spalletti largely kept the same lineup throughout the tournament and will do the same for the next one. He played a strong team against Spain and will use that XI.
Skipper Gianluigi Donnarumma will retain his place between the sticks, with Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Bastoni and Giovanni Di Lorenzo in defence. Jorginho will play in midfield alongside Nicolo Barella and Davide Frattesi. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Federico Chiesa will play out wide, while Gianluca Scamacca will lead the line.
Predicted Lineups
Switzerland National Football Team Lineup
Predicted XI: Yann Sommer (GK); Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Silvan Widmer, Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka (C), Michel Aebischer; Fabian Rieder, Dan Ndoye; Breel Embolo.
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Italy National Football Team Lineup
Predicted XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma (C) (GK); Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Federico Dimarco; Davide Frattesi, Jorginho, Nicolo Barella; Federico Chiesa, Gianluca Scamacca, Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Key Players to Watch
- Dan Ndoye (Switzerland) – The forward showed great game awareness to time his run to perfection before scoring against Germany in the last game. He applied the finishing touch to Remo Freuler’s lovely cross and scored with a powerful first-time effort that left Manuel Neuer stranded.
- Riccardo Calafiori (Italy) – Gifted with immense technical ability, Calafiori is always eager to get involved on both ends of the pitch. Despite being erroneous for Croatia’s goal last time out, he made a darting run forward in the dying moments to provide an assist for a late goal.
Switzerland vs Italy Head-to-Head Record
These two sides have come across one another several times in recent years. However, the games have not gone one or the other way, with four of the last five ending in draws. Italy secured a win the last time they met in the Euros.
Last 5 Games
- Italy 1-1 Switzerland [11/21]
- Switzerland 0-0 Italy [09/21]
- Italy 3-0 Switzerland [06/21]
- Switzerland 1-1 Italy [06/10]
- Switzerland 0-0 Italy [08/09]
Switzerland vs Italy Prediction
Both these teams possess immense quality among their ranks and it will boil down to which team gets the basics right on the day. Switzerland have more senior players and hence, more experience, which could stand them in good stead. Italy, on the other hand, relies on one or two experienced heads in tough moments and could crumble under pressure.
Prediction: Switzerland 2-1 Italy (After extra time).
When & Where to watch Switzerland vs Italy live?
Q. When and where will the game take place?
A. Switzerland vs Italy will take place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 29 and will kick-off at 5:00 PM (GMT).
Q. Where will the game be streamed in the UK?
A. BBC TV Sport and ITV UK will be streaming the match live.
Q. Where will the game be available to watch in the USA?
A. Fox Sports USA English, fubo TV and VIX will be showing the game live.
Q. Where will the match be shown in India?
A. The match will be available on the Sony Sports Network.
Q. Where will it be available in Switzerland?
A. SRG SSR will be streaming the game live.
Q. Where will the game be shown in Italy?
A. RAI and Sky Italia will show the game.
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