Switzerland v Italy EURO 2024 preview & free betting tips

Switzerland v Italy best bets

EURO 2024: Switzerland vs Italy preview

Switzerland will lock horns with champions Italy on Sunday morning (AEST) in Berlin in the first knockout match of EURO 2024.

The Swiss finished second in Group A with five points, two points behind Germany, following a win over Scotland and subsequent draws against Hungary and Germany.

In their final group encounter, Switzerland nearly pulled off a surprise win over Germany. They scored an early goal and remained defensively solid, only for their hearts to be shattered by a last-minute equaliser.

Meanwhile, champions Italy have endured a tough start to their title defence. Winners on the opening weekend against Albania, the Azzurri fell against Spain and drew with Croatia, finishing as runners-up in Group B with four points.

Italy have endured a torrid spell since winning EURO 2020, even missing the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Nevertheless, manager Luciano Spalletti has painstakingly rebuilt the side, gradually re-instilling the champions with confidence.

Although they are far from the finished product, Italy’s fighting spirit was highlighted when they forced a last-minute equaliser against Croatia, earning a crucial point that secured them a place in the last 16.

Switzerland v Italy team news

Breel Embolo is expected to start for Switzerland again, having returned to the lineup against Germany following months on the sidelines due to injury.

Silvan Widmer is out suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the group stages, which leaves the likes of Dan Ndoye, Fabian Rieder, Steven Zuber and Michel Aebischer as probable options.

Meanwhile, Italy’s Ricardo Calafiori will miss the tie due to suspension, with Gianluca Mancini replacing him in defence.

Mattia Zaccagni might be rewarded with a place in the starting 11, having scored Italy’s injury-time equaliser against Croatia as a substitute.

It will also be interesting to see whether Spalletti will begin with Matteo Darmian in a back three, as he did against Croatia.

Switzerland vs Italy predictions

Absent at the last World Cup and unconvincing in the group stage, it’s no surprise that Italy have a low chance of retaining their title. The top EURO 2024 bookmakers have the Azzurri pegged at +1500 to win it again.

Over the years, Italy have long been celebrated for their defensive prowess. However, they face a Switzerland side that defends with discipline and assurance.
This was showcased in their final group match against Germany.

Italy have struggled in front of goal since the tournament began, scoring just three times in three games. That could be a problem against the Swiss, who will assuredly frustrate them by closing down spaces and winning duels.

With Manuel Akanji and Granit Xhaka soaking up pressure, expect the likes of Embolo and Ndoye to be a persistent threat on the counter.

Although four of their last five meetings have ended in a draw, Switzerland have all it takes to register a famous win over the champions.

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