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Switzerland coach Murat Yakin has issued a warning to defending champions Italy ahead of their Euro 2024 Round of 16 meeting on Saturday, June 29. The teams will face each other in the first knockout round after each making their way out of their respective groups.
Despite being under new management, Italy are looking to retain the title they won at Wembley three years ago. They picked up four points in the group stage. They defeated Albania and drew with Croatia, losing to Spain between both games as Luciano Spalletti led them to the knockout stages.
Switzerland were impressive in Group A, finishing second behind Germany with one win and two draws, one of which came against the Euro 2024 hosts. Murat Yakin's side was impressive in the group stage, and the manager is remaining bullish ahead of a meeting with the champions.
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Yakin spoke with the press ahead of the game against Italy on Saturday, and he expressed his belief that his side have nothing to fear. He believes that the Azzurri should be fearful of his side ahead of their meeting in Berlin.
"We don’t want to worry too much about Italy. The truth is the opposite: Italy needs to worry about us."
Switzerland have found the net five times in the competition so far, compared to only three goals from Italy. They possess a very dangerous counter-attacking style using the pace of the likes of Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye, the latter of whom is based in Italy.
The Azzurri will be without standout defender Riccardo Calafiori for the match after he picked up two yellow cards in the group stage. The Bologna man is suspended for the last 16 tie, and will likely be replaced by Gianluca Mancini.
Switzerland, Italy to renew rivalry at Euro 2024
Switzerland and Italy will renew their rivalry when they meet at the Olympiastadion in the first Round of 16 match of Euro 2024. The sides have had multiple memorable encounters over the years, including two of great significance in 2022.
In qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Swiss held the Azzurri to two draws which ultimately cost them a place in the tournament. Murat Yakin's side, however, are winless in 11 games against the Azzurri dating back to 1993. They have lost just once, a 3-0 defeat to Italy at Euro 2020, in their last 13 matches at the Euros.
Both sides have veterans who can take center stage as they have shown already in the tournament. The likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, Jorginho, and Gianluigi Donnarumma are all set to feature. They will battle it out in Berlin for a place in the last eight of Euro 2024 against England or Slovakia.
