The match between Switzerland and Italy in the eighth final of the European Championship 2024 in Germany will begin at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Saturday, June 29, at 6:00 pm. In this preview, we look ahead to the match and take a look at some interesting stats. We also provide some forecasts for Switzerland – Italy.
Three days after the last group match, the round of 16 awaits, on Saturday, June 29, and Switzerland and Italy will be the first contenders for a place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 European Championship.
The Swiss can look back on their group stage matches with satisfaction. They came from Group A where they finished in second place behind host country Germany. After a convincing 1-3 win over Hungary, there was a somewhat disappointing draw (1-1) against the Scots. However, Switzerland finished the group on a positive note with the match against Germany. For a long time, it looked as if the three points would go to Switzerland, until Volkrug, as befits a true Germany, equalized in stoppage time.
This is the third time in a row that Switzerland has reached the eighth finals. This was also the final goal in the 2016 European Championship, after they were eliminated by Poland on penalties. After one European Championship, in 2020, the Swiss advanced by one round. They then reached the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Spain. It is the best performance ever at a European Championship in the history of the Swiss.
The road to a potential quarterfinals already begins with a big bump. Despite the fact that the Italians were unable to make a difference in the current European Championship, they scored again in the last minutes against Croatia. Also considering the performance in the previous two European Championships, Italy is not an easy draw for the Swiss. In 2016, the Italians reached the quarter-finals and in 2020 they became European champions. If the Swiss reach the quarter-finals again, they will likely meet England or the Dutch national team.
The potential lineup has not yet been determined, but will be added once available. For the Swiss, Widmer will miss the match against Italy, as he is suspended.
Italy is safe
The choice of national coach Spalletti did not have much impact in the first two group matches. A slender 2-1 win over tiny Albania, who also advanced at a rapid pace, and a desperate defeat to Spain were not what Italian fans had hoped for. The match against Croatia, which was also disappointing at the European Championship, was to decide who would secure second place.
In the first half the score was still 0-0, but shortly after the 50th minute the Croats were awarded a penalty kick. Modric was behind the ball, pushed it to the right corner, and Donnarumma shot it. Less than a minute later, the ball reached Modric's breath and he chased the ball high over the ropes. For a long time, it looked like Croatia would win, despite the great attacking storm unleashed by the Italians. After work came late, in the 98th minute of ten minutes of stoppage time, substitute Zaccagni scored a 1-1 equalizer. Italy still ranks second in Group B.
Italy, which is no longer one of the favorites for this European Championship, is the current European champion. To achieve this again, the level must be raised a little, although it must be noted that the Italians were already missing a large number of players at the beginning of this tournament due to injuries and suspensions.
The potential lineup has not yet been determined, but will be added once available. It is certain that Ricardo Calafiore is suspended because he received two yellow cards against Albania and Croatia.
The referee for this match has not yet been appointed, but once it becomes known it can be read here.
History of Switzerland – Italy
The list of matches between Switzerland and Italy goes back a long time. The first match dates back to 1911, when Italy and Switzerland ended in a 2-2 draw. The match has been played 61 times in total, with the last edition being in 2021. When both countries played a double in a World Cup qualifier in Qatar, both matches ended in a draw.
In 61 editions, they have met only once in the European Championship. It was at the 2020 European Championship when the Italians were very strong with a 3-0 lead. In general, Italy is also leading, having won 29 times, and 24 matches ended in draws, and the Swiss were very strong in only eight matches.
Switzerland's last victory over Italy was on May 1, 1993, when they defeated the Italians 1-0, almost 31 years ago!
Forecast Switzerland – Italy
Bookmakers have placed good odds for this first eighth final. Italy is seen as a slightly favored country. BetMGM gives you 2.50 odds of winning the Italians.
Both teams scored in all three of Switzerland's group stage matches, and in two of Italy's group stage matches. Only in the match against Spain (1-0) did the Italians fail to score. At least, not for good reason. Do you think that, as happened in five of the previous six matches, will both teams score again? Then you get 2.08 times your investment in Circus.
In group stage matches, more risks are often taken than in the knockout stage. In addition, Italy has not proven to be an easy country to score so far, while Switzerland has not seen more than two goals scored in their last two group matches. Betting on less than 2.5 goals is interesting. If this prediction comes true during Switzerland – Italy, it will give you a probability of 1.54 in JAX.
Player props
Not all player items are available yet, but this preview will be updated once that happens.
The Switzerland-Italy match is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 29, at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.
According to the bookmakers, Italy is the favourite in the match against Switzerland.
The winner of Switzerland – Italy will play England or England's unknown opponent in the quarter-finals. It is possible that the Netherlands is one of these unknown opponents.
Main images via Rico Brewer/Socrates.
