For the sixth consecutive international competition, Switzerland has qualified for the knockout phase. In the round of 16 of Euro 2024, Murat Yakin’s team will face Italy, the reigning European champion, on Saturday (6 p.m.) in Berlin.
Many people have both nationalities. This duel will therefore be special for many. “Le Matin” went to ask for the prediction of some personalities of Romand football with Italian origins.
“For me, it’s a special but positive match because I will be on the winning side whatever happens. On Saturday, I will watch this duel, with my family, at the FIFA Museum in Zurich. I was invited by Pascal Zuberbühler to be a consultant during the public broadcast he is organizing.
I am Italian but my links with Switzerland are much more intense. Murat Yakin is a very good friend and I have coached Yvon Mvogo, Cédric Zesiger, Denis Zakaria, Renato Steffen and Steven Zuber, who are part of the selection. My prediction? Switzerland will win 2-1.»
“I am not going to experience this match as a spectator, but as a football fan, a magnificent sport which has given me so much in my life. No matter the outcome, I will be happy for some people and sad for others.
Saturday, I will be quietly at home with my family. My wife and children will be more supporters of Switzerland because they are more linked to this country. Throughout the group stage, Switzerland showed better things than Italy which lacks offensive talent. But I can’t come up with a favorite. I see a score 1-1 after 120 minutes game and everything will be decided on penalties.
“Switzerland’s squad is superior. It would be a mistake for Italy to think otherwise and to consider itself stronger just because it is Italy. I still predict a Squadra Azzura wins penalty shootoutafter a score of 1-1.
I took a few days of vacation in southern Italy and will be on my way back to Switzerland on Saturday, so I don’t know yet where and under what conditions I will watch this match. Even if I have lived in Switzerland for 14 years and I want to obtain the passport, my heart will beat at 80% for the selection of Luciano Spalletti. But Switzerland would be the best team to lose against.
“It’s a derby that I’m going to experience with my family. My 12 year old son will probably be going to Switzerland. As for me, I hope to attend a great meeting. As I have dual nationality, I am sure of having a team in the quarter-finals.
I think this is the Suisse who will qualify thanks to a victoire 2-1 in the regulation time. The Nati is very well established in this tournament and counts on quality and experienced players. Italy is at the start of a new cycle and there are significantly more uncertainties.”
