A full stadium awaits to celebrate the European champions in a city that has not seen its national team play for 28 years: the task facing the Swiss team on Monday in Tenerife seems almost insurmountable.
Although Spain will be without their Ballon d’Or Rodri and the talented Lamine Yamal, who is expected to reach that pinnacle soon, Switzerland is likely to face tough times in a match that has little importance, especially if Murat Yakin begins to experiment with his tactics. Called to replace Murat Yakin, who was ill during the traditional pre-match press conference, Giorgio Contini insists that Switzerland will not approach this meeting lightly.
“We will certainly make changes compared to the team that played against Serbia. This match should allow us to give certain players the opportunity to show their abilities,” underlines Giorgio Contini, Yakin’s assistant. “But let’s not forget, we are facing Spain. We must maintain a solid base.”
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With Aurèle Amenda’s injuries and Breel Embolo’s suspension already dictating two changes, Giorgio Contini has confirmed that Switzerland will field a back four in front of Gregor Kobel, just like in their last two matches. To replace Amenda, Murat Yakin could take a calculated risk by starting Edimilson Fernandes.
“It is possible that the player alongside Eray Cömert is not a professional central defender,” suggests Giorgio Contini, lending credence to Fernandes’ inclusion. He performed excellently as a right-back against Denmark and Serbia.
Having made a strong impression last Friday, Derek Kutesa, who has been somewhat disappointing in his recent outings, is set to start for Switzerland for the first time. After a timid performance during the March rally, the Geneva native seems to have found his rhythm. “He shows more openness. He takes more risks in training,” praises Giorgio Contini. “He knows he won’t have ten chances to make a good impression with the national team… He must seize the opportunity given to him on Monday.”
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“Let’s look to the future”
“Relegation in this Nations League was a huge disappointment,” continues Giorgio Contini. “But now we have to look ahead and set new goals. The first will be to give a strong response on Monday evening.”
Supported by 600 supporters, the Swiss will really have to push their limits to beat La Roja for the third time in twenty-seven matches, following their 1-0 victory in Durban during the 2010 World Cup and a 2-1 victory in Zaragoza in 2022, also in the Nations League.
No, Switzerland cannot afford to relax their efforts during their last mission of the year, a year which has been a struggle in contrast to their impressive adventure at the Euro and their struggles in the Nations League. Furthermore, this match in Tenerife could very well be the last before they begin the preliminary round of the 2026 World Cup in March. It would be much better to approach this crucial campaign for Swiss football on the basis of success in the Canaries, rather than with the haunting memory of a heavy defeat.
