We've reach the knockout stages of the Euros and the last 16 starts with an Alpine derby.
David Easson previews Italy v Switzerland
It’s fair to say Italy have not impressed at this tournament, but they didn’t at the last one and they won it.
They’re now up against near neighbours Switzerland, a team who LOVE getting to the knockout stages in major competitions and a side that just LOVE a penalty shoot out. So will the Swiss neutralise whatever threat the Italians have? Indeed, what threat DO they have?
Against Spain they sat back and soaked up the pressure until it finally gave out. Scamacca has had a great season but is he really the best they’ve got? Unfortunately for Italy, yes he is but that’s not to say he can’t pull the goals out on the big occasion. Ask Liverpool fans about his goals at Anfield in the Europa League. Perhaps don’t ask West Ham fans about him generally. Italy’s defensive line was already weakened with players retiring and injuries have not helped.
The Swiss are a tight, efficient unit and up front they have Ndoye, who’s had a great season in Serie A with Bologna and Embolo, who has come back from an ACL injury to once again score at an international tournament for the Swiss.
The head-to-head reads draw. 5 of the last 6 meetings have been stalemates and I can’t see this not going to extra time and even beyond.
The draw in 90 mins is really nicely priced at 2/1
Switzerland to qualify at 5/4 is definitely a play
It’s a lovely 7/2 to go to penalties and 8/1 that the Swiss go through via a shootout
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