On Saturday, Switzerland and Italy lock horns in the first knockout match of Euro 2024.
After a thrilling group stage, elimination football is soon to be the name of the game and that means the drama levels will increase exponentially.
NetBet is here to deliver the assist with your Euro 2024 betting and you can take advantage of our brilliant Acca Boost feature. Read on to check out our latest tips.
Switzerland vs Italy
Saturday, June 29, 5pm
Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany
Live on BBC One
Preview
Italy’s place in this fixture was secured in quite extraordinary fashion. Mattia Zaccagni’s stoppage-time strike broke Croatia hearts and made sure the Azzurri were not left sweating over being one of the best third-placed teams.
Switzerland were also victims of an injury-time equaliser in their final group match, with Niclas Fullkrug ensuring hosts Germany finished top of the pile.
While it was not a positive end to the match for the Swiss, they proved their quality in Group A and remain unbeaten.
With captain Granit Xhaka excelling at the heart of the midfield, Switzerland will fancy their chances against an Italy side who have flattered to deceive at the tournament thus far.
Up front, the defending champions look average at best – and manager Luciano Spalletti has some big decisions to make regarding his team selection ahead of Saturday night’s fixture.
The two sides met in the Euro 2020 group stage and it was eventual champions Italy who secured a 3-0 victory in a very one-sided affair. We cannot see a repeat of that happening on Saturday.
Odds
Despite their lacklustre showings against Spain and Croatia, Italy go into this match as favourites at 2.51. Switzerland are priced at 3.28, while the draw after 90 minutes is 2.89.
Betting Tips
No clean sheets
Switzerland and Italy each failed to keep a clean sheet in all three of their group games and we expect that trend to continue in the last 16. Both teams to score is 1.96.
Chiesa’s redemption
After being dropped from the starting XI against Croatia, Federico Chiesa will have a point to prove vs Switzerland. The Juventus winger impressed from the bench on Monday evening and that bodes well for Italy heading into the knockout stage. Chiesa to score anytime is 4.70.
Spalletti’s story
If Chiesa can deliver for his manager, Italy have a great chance of reaching the quarter-finals. However, we expect Switzerland to push the Azzurri all the way and it is shaping up to be yet another Euros thriller. Italy to win and both teams to score is 5.70.
*Odds are subject to change
Switzerland Team News
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Sommer, Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez, Rieder, Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer, Vargas, Ndoye, Embolo
Suspended: Widmer
Italy Team News
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Buongiorno, Dimarco, Jorginho, Barella, Fratessi, Chiesa, Retegui, Pellegrini
Suspended: Calafiori
Score Prediction
Switzerland 1-2 Italy
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