Former Lazio and Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner could have played against Italy tonight if it wasn’t for the pandemic and warns the Azzurri about Switzerland.
The 37-year-old retired in 2020 and could have played the Euros if it wasn’t for the COVID pandemic. It would have been the last competition of his playing career, but it was postponed due to COVID one year ago.
“I am suffering a little bit, I’d have loved to end the career like that,” the former defender told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It was my target and for this reason, I moved to Ausburg. I wanted to be fit for the Euros, but unfortunately, the pandemic arrived. That’s life.”
His national team Switzerland face Italy at the Stadio Olimpico this evening and although the Swiss may lack experience, Lichtsteriner warned the Azzurri about their compatriots.
“Players like Behrami and Dzemaili played at high levels for many years and their experience could have been useful in the dressing room. The team is younger now, there is the desire to win and I am sure they will go beyond the group stage,” the ex-Arsenal man said.
“Switzerland’s best quality is the organization. The lads always know what to do on the pitch. Switzerland are very competitive and they have players who can make the difference at any moment.
“The group is united, and they know how to face difficult moments during a game.
“They were criticized a little bit after the draw against Wales, but I think we played a good game, we created many opportunities, but we only scored once.”
However, Italy are one of the favourites to win the European Championships.
“I was travelling, so I could only watch a few bits of the game against Turkey, but I saw the usual great quality.
“France are the absolute favourite to win the competition, but Italy can do it. They have a great coach who is doing an extraordinary job. Italy have great players and they also play at home.
“Switzerland play the first and the third game of the group stage in Baku. They will return to Azerbaijan after tonight’s game. I went there for the Europa League Final with Arsenal [in 2018] and it’s an endless journey.
“Tiredness can have an impact and Italy won’t have this problem at the beginning of the tournament.”