Italy and Switzerland, two nations intertwined by history and geography, will meet in the last 16 of Euro 2024 in Berlin on Saturday. The familiar opponents share a border and a common language, Italian, but that will be forgotten as the two teams face off on the pitch.
Despite their close ties, the two nations have a long history of competitive matches, having faced each other 61 times. Although Italy holds the upper hand in the head-to-head record, the Swiss have proven to be a formidable opponent, especially in Germany. Switzerland impressed in the group stages, narrowly missing out on topping Group A after conceding a late equaliser to host Germany. This performance showcased their fearless approach and their ability to compete against any team in the tournament.
Italy, on the other hand, has struggled to find their footing at Euro 2024. The defending champions scraped through the group stage after a late goal salvaged a 1-1 draw with Croatia, a far cry from their dominant display in Euro 2020. However, they will be looking to regain their form and make a statement against Switzerland.
The match will be particularly intriguing as it features several Swiss players who have Italian roots and have played in Serie A. Bologna, a team that has impressed in the Italian league, will have three representatives on the Swiss team. Midfielder Michel Aebischer, forward Dan Ndoye, and Remo Freuler all played for Bologna last season.
For Freuler, the match holds a special significance. He spent six years playing for Atalanta in Italy and considers it his adopted home. “Of course, it’s not a match like any other for me. In Italy I built my career, also finding an ideal country to spend my life with my family,” he said. “On Saturday, however, there won’t be all this love. It’s a round of 16 and there will be no room for feelings.”
Freuler understands the importance of the upcoming matches for Switzerland. “Doing well in the first part of the tournament is important. The matches that make the difference, those capable of changing the dimension of a national team, however, are others,” he said. “But I’m not afraid. And Switzerland are not afraid of Italy.”
