Switzerland vs Italy Prediction: Euro 2024 Team News and Lineups Preview

Switzerland’s tactical discipline and Italy’s knockout stage expertise set the stage for a thrilling Round of 16 clash in Berlin and our Italian football expert, Daniele Fisichella, has prepared his Switzerland vs Italy prediction, team news, lineups and Euro 2024 preview.

This promises to be an intriguing encounter between two well-matched teams that might well go into extra-time and penalties. 

• Switzerland vs Italy Tip 1: Draw
• >Switzerland vs Italy Tip 2: Both Teams To Score – Yes
• Switzerland vs Italy Tip 3: Federico Chiesa To Score Or Assist

Switzerland vs Italy Prediction 1: Don’t Ignore the Draw

Euro 2024, Round of 16, Saturday, June 29th, 17:00 (UK)

The Swiss, who finished as runner-up in Group A behind Germany, face defending champions Italy, who secured their spot by finishing second in Group B, thanks to a 98th-minute equalizer from Mattia Zaccagni. 

Murat Yakin’s Switzerland brings a mix of defensive solidity and versatile attacking options and might represent a tough nut to crack for the Azzurri. 

Switzerland has a strong record in recent major tournaments, reaching the knockout stage in their last six appearances, second only to France’s eight. They have lost only one of their last 13 Euro games, excluding penalties. Italy, meanwhile, has the experience and pedigree, having played more extra times (21) in major tournaments than any other nation. 

In fact, 15 of the last 26 Italy’s knockout games have ended with a draw in 90 minutes, including four of the last 5.

As explained in our Betting Guide, betting on a draw is often overlooked. 

International tournaments often lean towards a defensive approach, particularly during the knockout stages. This cautious style typically results in fewer goals and a higher chance of matches ending in a draw. 

Historically, betting on draws in all knockout stage matches at both the Euros and World Cup since 1998 has proven profitable. A consistent bet of a single unit on the draw across the 58 Euro and 90 World Cup knockout stage matches since 1998 would have yielded a profit of just under 46 units, equating to a 28% return on investment (ROI). 

• Switzerland vs Italy Prediction 1: Draw (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 2.90
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 4/10

Switzerland vs Italy Prediction 2: Experience, Flexibility and Tacitcal Acumen

Switzerland’s blend of experienced defenders, dynamic midfielders, and versatile forwards makes them a tricky opponent for the Azzurri, as their Italian-inspired approach aims to upset the defending champions.

Yakin’s switch to a three-man defence in the autumn has provided more stability which, combined with their ability to to adapt and rotate players effectively, ensures they pose a significant challenge. Granit Xhaka has been outstanding at leading the midfield during the competition, with Bologna’s Remo Freuler supporting. 

Switzerland’s attack has seen a rotation of players, keeping opponents guessing. The forward line lacks a single leader but thrives on the versatility and movement of the likes of Embolo, Vargas and Duah. 

Italy’s journey in this European Championship is marked by tactical experimentation and the need for adaptability. 

Against Croatia, Spalletti’s tactical switch from a 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2 formation was notable. Italy’s strategy involved initially playing through the crowded midfield to switch play to the opposite flank. While this worked sporadically, it was hindered by Di Lorenzo and Dimarco’s poor form, resulting in ineffective crosses. 

• Switzerland vs Italy Prediction 2: Both Teams To Score – Yes (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 2.10
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 4/10

Switzerland vs Italy Prediction 3: A Long-Awaited Win for the Swiss?

On the other hand, Spalletti’s gamble on players like Riccardo Calafiori has paid off. 

Calafiori, once considered a fading talent, has proven pivotal, especially with his assist for Zaccagni’s crucial goal against Croatia. But without the Bologna’s defender, who’s suspended for the match on Saturday, Spalletti might consider a strategy that forces Switzerland into unfamiliar possession play, using Italy’s defensive strengths. 

This approach requires selecting players better suited for defensive resilience, like Buongiorno, Gatti, and Mancini. 

Italy, despite their struggles, have the quality to perform better. Spalletti’s tactical acumen will be tested as he aims to find the right balance between defence and attack. 

A switch to a back three could offer more defensive stability, but it’s crucial that Italy’s creative players like Fagioli and Chiesa are given the freedom to influence the game.

Switzerland has not beaten Italy in 31 years, with their last victory dating back to May 1993. However, they finished above Italy in the last World Cup qualifying campaign, indicating their capability to challenge the Azzurri.

• Switzerland vs Italy Prediction 3: Federico Chiesa To Score or Assist (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 2.87
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 2/10

Switzerland vs Italy Prediction odds via bet365 as at 13:20, June 27th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Switzerland vs Italy Euro 2024 Team News and Possible Lineups: Both Teams Missing a Key Player

Riccardo Calafiori is suspended, so Mancini will line up alongside Bastoni and Darmian in the confirmed 3-5-2 formation. Up front, Chiesa and Scamacca return to the starting XI. 

In the Swiss camp, Aebischer and Embolo will continue to play in the attacking midfield, with Vargas favoured for the centre forward role. Xhaka and Freuler will feature in the midfield, with Zuber replacing the suspended Widmer on one flank, and Bologna’s Ndoye deployed on the opposite side.

Switzerland possible starting lineup:
Sommer; Schär, Akanji, Rodriguez; Ndoye, Xhaka, Freuler, Zuber; Aebischer, Embolo; Vargas.

Italy possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Darmian; Jorginho; Cambiaso, Cristante, Barella; Chiesa, Retegui.

Euro 2024 Match Stats: Extra Time Looming?

• Switzerland haven’t won against Italy in 31 years, since May 1993 (1-0)
• Italy have only won one of the last five games against Switzerland, 3-0 at Euro 2021.
• Switzerland are unbeaten in the last seven matches, the Azzurri have only lost one of the previous 12 games. 
• Switzerland have played in the knockout stage of the last six major tournaments; only France (8) has a better record.
• 15 of the last 26 Italy’s knockout games have gone into extra-time, including four of the last five.

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