Switzerland face reigning champions, Italy in the opening Round of 16 tie at UEFA Euro 2024 as the knockout stages commence.
Switzerland qualified for this tie after they finished second in Group A, whilst Italy likewise scraped through as Group B runner-up with a late draw against Croatia.
Team News
Defender, Silvan Widmer is suspended for Switzerland after he picked up two bookings in the Group Stage.
Italy will be without defender, Ricardo Calafiori who too is suspended, having been booked twice in the Group Stage.
When is Kick-Off?
Switzerland meet Italy at Olympiastadion, Berlin, on Saturday 29 June at 6pm CEST (5pm UK Time) live on BBC1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Switzerland lost 3-0 to Italy in their only previous meeting at the European Championships Finals, which came in Euro 2020 albeit played in June 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
- Including Qualifying, Italy are yet to lose to Switzerland in seven previous encounters in this competition (W4, D3).
- Two of the three meetings where Switzerland were classed as the ‘home’ team have finished 0-0, whilst the other ended in a 2-2 draw in November 1967 (D3).
- Four of Switzerland’s five goals in Group A were scored before half-time (W1, D2).
- Italy failed to score first in their three group matches (W1, D1, L1).
Prediction
Although they have had to grind out draws against Scotland and Germany, Switzerland crucially are delivering goals and have a strong sense of attacking confidence which will certainly serve them well here where they might have to be wary of the Italian counter-attack.
Italy though haven’t exactly hit their top gears with some rather sluggish performances in their group games, although they were lucky to snatch a draw against Croatia but must really be more clinical here if want to keep their title defence on track.
I however wouldn’t be surprised if Italy crash out because Switzerland do look the stronger team in terms of performance and confidence up front, which could well be the difference.
Prediction: Switzerland 1-0 Italy
Result: Switzerland 2-0 Italy