Euro 2024 has entered the crucial knockout stage, and in the group stage, there have been many upsets, making the top half of the strong teams gather and become the group of death. Defending champions Italy were lucky to be in the bottom half. At 0:00 a.m. on June 30, Beijing time, the first 1/8 final of the European Cup will start, Italy will play against Switzerland, the last meeting between the two teams was in the 2022 World Preliminary Round, when Switzerland drew with Italy twice, squeezing Italy into the play-offs, and Italy finally missed the 2022 Qatar World Cup finals.
The Italian team has had its ups and downs in recent years. They successfully won Euro 2021, but then failed to qualify for the Qatar World Cup in the 2022 World Preliminary Tournament. This setback led to the sacking of coach Roberto Mancini, and Spalletti took over with a drastic reshuffle to gradually restore the team's fighting power. In this European Championship, Italy were placed in the group of death against Spain, Croatia and Albania. In the group stage, despite the dangers, they relied on their strong overall strength and experience to successfully advance to the knockout round.
Italy's Zaccagni and Junior Chiesa are undoubtedly the main threats in attack. Zaccagni's breakthrough ability and Chiesa Jr.'s shooting skills will put a lot of pressure on the Swiss defence. The performance of these two players will have a direct impact on the direction and outcome of the game. In addition, Italy's defence has a clear advantage in terms of experience and quality, and their consistent performance in the tournament will be a problem for Switzerland to overcome.
Switzerland's performances on the international stage in recent years should not be underestimated. Although they are worth only 282 million euros overall, they are very consistent. In the 2022 World Qualifiers, Switzerland drew two legs with Italy and eventually qualified as group winners, while Italy was forced to enter the play-offs and miss out on World Cup qualification. At this European Championship, Switzerland defeated Hungary and drew with Scotland and Germany to qualify for the knockout stage as group runners-up. Their team spirit and tenacity have impressed with their repeated upsets in key matches.
Switzerland's Embolo and Vargas will use their speed and skill to try to break through the Italian defence. Switzerland's counter-attacking tactics have paid off over the past few years, often finding the back of the net when it matters most. Switzerland's Xhaka and Freuler organised the attack with aggressive scrambling and precise passing, and their performances in midfield will determine whether Switzerland can prevail in this powerful conversation.
It has to be said that behind every important game there are many untold stories and changes in the mentality of the players. After suffering a defeat in the 2022 World Qualifiers, the Italian team is even more eager to prove themselves in this European Cup. Spalletti focuses on team cohesion and tactical execution, which will be reflected in the game. The Swiss players have repeatedly stated before the match that they are not afraid of any opponent, especially when facing strong teams. This mentality has made Switzerland impress with repeated upsets in key matches.
The all-time head-to-head record between Italy and Switzerland shows that Italy are unbeaten in their last 6 meetings, with 1 win and 5 draws. This shows that the two teams are evenly matched, with matches often ending in draws. From a tactical point of view, Italy are adept at controlling the tempo of the game, creating chances through midfield combing and quick counter-attacks up front. Zaccagni and Junior Chiesa are key players whose performances will have a direct impact on the outcome of the game. Switzerland, on the other hand, are known for their solid defence and quick counter-attacks, with the speed and skill of Embolo and Vargas being their attacking weapons.
In addition to the technical and tactical competition on the field, off-field factors cannot be ignored. The fans in Italy and Switzerland are very enthusiastic and the atmosphere will be very lively. The support of the Italian fans may give the team extra motivation, while the cheering of the Swiss fans will also motivate the team to perform at a better level.
In fact, before that, Italy and Switzerland have also met many times in history, in which Italy has a certain advantage, but Switzerland has also had a good performance. Looking back at the historical record of both sides and the performance of this European Cup, this game is destined to be exciting. Both teams will be keen to go far in this tournament and they will be aiming to lift the final trophy. Win or lose, this match will be a classic battle that fans will talk about.
Depending on the quality and form of both teams, this game could be a stalemate. Italy are likely to dominate more possession and try to create chances through midfield playmaking and breakthroughs up front. Switzerland, on the other hand, will be solid defensively and use counter-attacks to find the back of the net. The game could go to extra time or even a penalty shoot-out. Italy's ability to be easily beaten in regulation time in the knockout stages of a major tournament may be proven once again.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Italy coach Luciano Spalletti said his team was fully prepared and would go all out to face Switzerland. He stressed that the goal of the Italian team is to lift the European Championship and that every game is crucial. At the same time, the Swiss coach also expressed his confidence in his team, believing that the Swiss team can continue their magical journey with a strong performance against Italy.
In the knockout stages of Euro 2024, Italy's match against Switzerland is undoubtedly a high-profile match. The contest between the two teams in terms of strength and form will provide a wonderful game for the fans. After the ups and downs of the Italian team, they are eager to prove themselves in this European Championship. The Swiss team, on the other hand, will be hoping to continue their magical performance at the last European Championship and continue to write their own legend. This game is not only a competition of strength, but also a contest of mentality and tactics, which is destined to bring a thrilling football feast to the audience.
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