Coach Murat Yakin of Switzerland stated on Friday that he hoped to surprise Italy, his opponents in the Euro 2024 last 16 round.
On Saturday in Berlin, his squad takes on the defending champions, and although Yakin respects Italy’s tactical play, he stated that his own team’s formation is more crucial to him.
Although Yakin does not have major plans to alter his tactics, he did want to keep his opponents guessing after Italy’s 1-1 draw with Croatia saw them barely get to the knockout stages.
“We’ve done our homework, not only looking at these three games but previous matches prior to the tournament, and we’ve always been struck by how Italy can mix things up in terms of personnel and shape,” Yakin told reporters.
“We’re ready for Italy, that’s the home of tactical football and I like the way they do things — they defend as a unit, they man-mark all over the pitch and not many teams do…
“However I want to focus on how we set up, our tactics and maybe even catch them off-guard.”
The sides drew twice in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup and Switzerland finished top of the group with Italy failing to make it to Qatar.
“I hope we can experience something similar tomorrow night, we’ve fought very hard to make it here,” continued Yakin.
“Italy are a neighbouring country, we know them well, we know all about their temper, tactics and quality.
“It will be a special game tomorrow night and we hope it pans out the same way as our previous meetings.”
Switzerland and Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer believes the tie will be decided by key moments.
“Our goal tomorrow is to progress, these are knock-out ties and every incident becomes decisive,” said Sommer.
“It depends how the teams play on the day and which way the big moments go, if they go Italy’s way or if they go our way.”
In one of the two World Cup qualifying matches against Italy, Sommer stopped a penalty shot from Jorginho, and in the other, the midfielder hit the crossbar with another.
Sommer is known for his skill at stopping penalties. “I don’t want to face a penalty tomorrow night… those are water under the bridge,” he stated.
“If there is a penalty then I’ll do my best to keep it out.”
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