Euro 2024 - Switzerland vs Italy: Team News and Prediction

The round of 16 gets underway at Euro 2024 this weekend as Switzerland take on Italy in the first knockout match. 

Ahead of this one, we run through the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch this last-16 game, what time it kicks off, team news and the key battle.    

When is kick off?  

Saturday 29th June, 17:00 (BST)  

Where is the match?  

Olympiastadion, Berlin (Germany) 

Switzerland vs Italy Team News 

Switzerland will be forced into at least one change here with Silvan Widmer suspended having picked up two bookings in the group stages. Leonidas Stergiou may start at right wing-back as a result. Denis Zakaria and Steven Zuber both remain doubts. 

Italy are without key centre-back Riccardo Calafiori after his booking against Croatia with Gianluca Mancini an option to start in the Bologna man's absence. Luciano Spalletti may revert to a 4-3-3 setup after using a three-man backline in the Group B stalemate. Mattia Zaccagni could also start after his fine equaliser off the bench. 

Switzerland vs Italy Probable XIs 

Switzerland (3421) - Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Stergiou, Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer; Vargas, Ndoye; Duah 

Italy (433) - Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Frattesi, Jorginho, Barella; Cheisa, Scamacca, Zaccagni 

Switzerland vs Italy Key Battle

Plying his trade for Bologna, Switzerland's Michel Aebischer is already well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of Saturday's opponents Italy. While a midfielder by trade, the 27-year-old has been solid at left wing-back in Murat Yakin's 3-4-2-1 setup. His Serie A experience will certainly help the Swiss when they take on the Azzurri.

Conversely, Luciano Spalletti has Federico Chiesa at his disposal to try and peg Aebischer back. Chiesa hasn't been at his best at Euro 2024 but if Spalletti does revert to a 4-3-3, then the Juventus man is the best candidate to start down the right. The 26-year-old's desire to break down the right flank could wreak havoc.

Switzerland vs Italy Score Prediction: Switzerland 1-1 Italy