Xherdan Shaqiri, the Chicago Fire FC midfielder, will not be starting for Switzerland in their crucial Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash against Italy at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. The 32-year-old former Bayern Munich and Liverpool star, known for his exceptional performances in major tournaments, has found himself limited to a substitute role in this edition of the Euros.
Shaqiri has started only one match in the group stage, making substitute appearances in the other two. While he remains a valuable asset for his national team, his lack of match fitness since joining Major League Soccer has seemingly hampered his chances of securing a starting spot. Swiss coach Murat Yakin has opted to utilize Shaqiri as an impact substitute in the second half, hoping to capitalize on his experience and talent in crucial moments.
Despite his limited playing time, Shaqiri’s impact on the international stage cannot be ignored. He has made 132 appearances for Switzerland, netting an impressive 32 goals in the process. Notably, he scored a spectacular goal from outside the box in Switzerland’s second group stage match against Scotland, showcasing his undeniable skill and ability.
Shaqiri’s absence from the starting lineup will undoubtedly be a blow to Switzerland’s aspirations of upsetting the Italian side. Italy boasts a formidable squad and possesses a strong track record in major tournaments. Whether Switzerland can overcome this challenge and progress to the quarter-finals remains to be seen. The upcoming match promises to be a tightly contested encounter, with both teams eager to advance to the next stage of the competition.
