- What: Round of 16 EURO 2024, Switzerland vs Italy
- Where: Germany, Berlin
- When: June 29, 19:00 (local time – 18:00)
- Stadium: Olympiastadion (74,000 seats)
Both teams advanced as runners-up in their respective groups, but with very different dynamics. Switzerland confidently settled all questions, while Italy surprisingly appeared as a "pale shadow" and squeezed into the playoffs with great difficulty and not without a bit of luck.
Switzerland
They confidently emerged from Group A without losing a single match, despite having Germany as an opponent. They started with a convincing 3-1 win over Hungary, controlling the game and applying solid pressure. In the 2nd round, they drew 1-1 in a nearly equal battle with Scotland. In the 3rd round, they faced the "German machine" and managed to score a goal before Germany picked up momentum, conceding a goal only in the 92nd minute for a 1-1 draw.
The team is strong and not afraid of tough opponents. They can play both offensively and defensively, creating and effectively capitalizing on their chances. They have scored in all matches.
Italy
Italy barely made it out of Group B, securing their place in the last match and in added time. In the 1st round, they defeated Albania 2-1, playing in an extremely unsportsmanlike manner, completely drying up the game after the 16th minute. In the 2nd round, they tried to hold off Spain in a similar "drying up" style and almost succeeded, but an own goal by Calafiori led to a 1-0 defeat. In the 3rd round, they were trailing and only managed to snatch a draw with Croatia 1-1 in the last seconds.
Italy's style of play is best characterized by their xG. Over the three matches, the Italians created chances worth approximately 1.5 goals. Despite their defensive style, they conceded in every match.
Prediction
The Italians are capable of waking up from their slumber at the most unexpected moment, as happened in the match against Croatia. However, this usually requires a trigger — a conceded goal. Switzerland may not advance, but they are expected to score.
xGscore Prediction: Switzerland will score
