Switzerland and Italy are set to clash in the round of 16 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals to face either England or Slovakia.
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Switzerland had a strong group stage performance, finishing second to Germany in Group A, despite a late goal from Niclas Fullkrug denying them a win in their final match. This marks Switzerland's sixth consecutive major tournament reaching the elimination phase, a streak dating back to 2014.
However, Switzerland's record in the round of 16 is concerning, with seven consecutive matches without a win in regular time. Their only loss in their last 13 European Championship matches came against Italy at Euro 2020, and they have failed to win any of their last 11 games against Italy across all competitions.
Italy, the defending Euro 2020 champions, have reached the quarterfinals in every Euros since 2004 and will be aiming to continue this streak. Despite a shaky group stage performance, with only one win, one draw and one loss, Italy secured a spot in the knockout phase with a narrow draw against Croatia.
Switzerland's starting lineup will see at least one change, with Leonidas Stergiou replacing the suspended Silvan Widmer, who received his second booking of the tournament against Germany. Italy will also make changes, as Riccardo Calafiori is suspended due to two yellow cards in the group phase, missing out on a reunion with his Bologna teammates Freuler, Ndoye and Michel Aebischer.
The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with Switzerland seeking to break their round of 16 curse and Italy aiming to defend their title. Switzerland's unbeaten record in the tournament so far will be put to the test against an Italian team looking to regain stability after a tumultuous group stage.
If Italy wins this match they will face a potential rematch of the Euro 2020 final against England in the quarterfinals.
Switzerland's possible starting lineup includes Sommer, Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez, Stergiou, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer, Ndoye, Vargas, and Embolo.
Italy's possible starting lineup features Donnarumma, Darmian, Mancini, Bastoni, Di Lorenzo, Barella, Jorginho, Pellegrini, Dimarco, Chiesa, and Scamacca.
This match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with different strengths and weaknesses. Will Switzerland finally break their round of 16 curse, or will Italy's experience and defending title win out? The stage is set for a memorable battle at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
