Switzerland coach Murat Yakin is excited to be facing Italy, who represent ‘the home of tactical football’, and insists they’re ready for any system Luciano Spalletti throws at them.
The EURO 2024 Round of 16 tie kicks off at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Saturday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
While the Azzurri moved to a three-man defence against Croatia, they used four at the back in both the win over Albania and defeat to Spain, so are keeping Yakin guessing.
“We did our homework, we didn’t just watch these three games, but the preceding ones too,” said the coach in his press conference.
“Italy are able to vary and play many different systems. This is the home of tactical football and I really like the way they do things. They can defend collectively, go man for man all over the pitch, something that for example Atalanta do.
“We are ready and perhaps we can surprise Italy too.”
When these sides met during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, both games ended in draws with Jorginho failing to convert a penalty in each of them.
Those results allowed Switzerland to top the group and go into the competition, while the Nazionale were eliminated in the play-offs.
“I always get asked about that game and it was the most wonderful feeling I experienced, so I hope to feel it again tomorrow. We are happy to play Italy, we want to have an open and attacking approach.
“I don’t want to get drawn into who is the favourite, we know Italy’s strength. Hopefully we can have the same luck as our recent meetings…”
This is a knockout tie, so if it ends in a draw, they will go to extra time and perhaps even a penalty shoot-out.
“We had time to train every day on penalties, which is obviously not the same as during a match situation, but we all have the necessary experience to take them. In any case, I don’t want to think about that until we get to it,” continued Yakin.
Switzerland forced to make changes
Former Udinese player Silvan Widmer will be suspended for Switzerland, along with Italy’s Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.
“There will be changes, we have players who are ready to step in and studied two tactical variations. We’ve got to have a solid defence and make quick turnarounds, that is how we will try to win the game.”
Among the many Serie A players in the Switzerland squad, Dan Ndoye has flourished since moving to Bologna.
“He has improved so much, I can see it day by day. His decision to join Bologna was excellent and I went to visit him there too. He brings unpredictability and that goal against Germany really lifted him psychologically too.”
It will be a tight battle tomorrow. The game is a 50/50 toss. The Swiss are no pushovers! Italy can prevail if they play like a compact unit!
So true Ron the Swiss are a very good team . They knocked out France last euro and basically prevented us from qualifying for World Cup . Let’s hope
For the best but this is going to be another roller coster ride with these guys as usual