Blerim Dzemaili believes Italy are the best team at the Euros and explains why Switzerland’s win against France did not surprise him.
The 35-year-old spent many years of his career in Italy, playing for Torino, Parma, Napoli, Genoa and Bologna.
A former Switzerland international, Dzemaili has 69 senior caps to his name.
Italy already beat the Swisses in the group stages, but they could meet again in the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2020 if they beat Belgium and Spain respectively.
“Italy are the best team of the tournament, they were able to go beyond the Rond of 16, differently from what other favourite teams did,” the Zurich midfielder told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I was surprised by the Azzurri’s growth. They don’t have an exceptional No.10 like Francesco Totti or Alessandro Del Piero, but all the players give their best. They play really well and it’s all thanks to Roberto Mancini.”
Dzemaili seems to be more surprised by Italy’s developments than Switzerland’s win over France.
“Of course, France were the favourites, but they had never put in convincing performances, I knew Sweden could surprise them.
“Now, I am curious to see how Petkovic will replace Xhaka against Spain today. He has a great personality and I hope to see him in Italy, he would be an added value for Serie A.”