Switzerland looked poised to upset the tournament hosts and secure qualification as Group A winners, but their hopes were dashed by a late goal from Germany in the final group match last Sunday. Despite this setback, they progressed to the knockout rounds undefeated.
Dan Ndoye gave Die Nati the lead in Frankfurt after 28 minutes, but Niclas Fullkrug's stoppage-time equalizer meant they finished with five points, just behind their neighbors Germany and ahead of Hungary and Scotland.
Murat Yakin's team started with a win but settled for a draw against Steve Clarke's side before narrowly losing to Germany. This marks their sixth consecutive major tournament reaching the knockout phase since 2014, a streak only bettered in Europe by France.
However, excluding shootouts, Switzerland have struggled in previous last-16 matches at the Euros and World Cup, progressing to the quarter-finals just once.
Three years ago, they staged a remarkable comeback against favorites France, eventually winning on penalties, a psychological boost ahead of Saturday's clash in Berlin.
Switzerland have lost only once in their last 13 European Championship matches, a 3-0 defeat to Italy at Euro 2020. They haven't beaten Italy since a World Cup qualifier in 1993, going winless in their last 11 encounters across all competitions.
While Italy holds a historical advantage over their upcoming opponents, they still bear the scars of two drawn matches that led to their exclusion from the Qatar 2022 tournament.
In both qualifying games, crucial penalty misses by midfielder Jorginho proved costly for La Nazionale, and since then, the European champions have struggled to regain their momentum.
Italy secured their place in Euro 2024 after narrowly avoiding a playoff. They started with a win against Albania but suffered a defeat to Spain in Gelsenkirchen. Their journey through Group B was saved by a dramatic draw with Croatia on Monday night.
Trailing deep into stoppage time, substitute Mattia Zaccagni's brilliant last-minute goal salvaged a crucial point, keeping Italy's title defense hopes alive and devastating Croatian hopes in the process.
Despite their challenges in World Cup qualifying, Italy has reached the quarter-finals of every European Championship since 2004, aiming for nothing less this time, especially in what's considered the easier side of the bracket.
If they advance past Switzerland, a potential rematch of their Euro 2020 final against England could be in store. Like Gareth Southgate, Italy's bold manager faces mounting pressure from eager fans and media.
Both coaches will expect their teams to elevate their game in the decisive knockout phase, where Spalletti's tenure as national team coach will face its true test.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Switzerland will have to adjust their starting lineup for Saturday's match, with Leonidas Stergiou stepping in for the suspended Silvan Widmer, who received his second booking against Germany.Up front, Breel Embolo is set to continue after making his first start following a lengthy injury spell. On the bench, Ruben Vargas and Zeki Amdouni are pushing for spots, alongside newcomer Kwadwo Duah from London.
In midfield, captain Granit Xhaka partners with Remo Freuler, who has assisted in three goals in his last four European Championship games. The Swiss squad includes several Serie A players, including goalkeeper Yann Sommer from Inter Milan.
Italy, on the other hand, faces a defensive change due to Riccardo Calafiori's suspension after receiving two yellow cards in the group stage. With injuries sidelining Francesco Acerbi and Giorgio Scalvini, Gianluca Mancini is likely to step up in defense.
Coach Luciano Spalletti has been flexible with formations, alternating between a back four and a three-man defense. In attack, Gianluca Scamacca might return, with Federico Chiesa or Monday's hero, Mattia Zaccagni, also in contention to feature.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Switzerland possible starting lineup:Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Stergiou, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer; Ndoye, Vargas; Embolo
Italy possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Darmian, Mancini, Bastoni; Di Lorenzo, Barella, Jorginho, Pellegrini, Dimarco; Chiesa, Scamacca
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Switzerland 0-1 Italy
We can anticipate a cautious match between two familiar foes who have faced off in numerous important encounters, especially with several Swiss players competing in Italy's top leagues.
Italy famously clinched Euro 2020 with a penalty shootout victory at Wembley, but their inconsistency from the spot remains a concern. If Switzerland can breach Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal, their determined approach might just see them advance to the quarter-finals.
