On June 29, at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Switzerland and Italy will compete for a place in the quarterfinals. Both teams advanced from their groups in second place, but Yakin's squad did so in a pragmatic style, while Spalletti's team had to secure a crucial draw against Croatia to make it to the playoffs.

Switzerland will be without right-back Silvan Widmer due to suspension. Yakin faces difficulties on the other flank as well, having rotated players in the last three matches. Up front, Breel Embolo is expected to start, with Dan Ndoye operating as an attacking midfielder on one of the wings. Italy will miss center-back Riccardo Calafiori due to suspension, likely to be replaced by Juventus' Federico Gatti, who was a substitute in all group matches.

The draw for EURO 2024 was favorable for Switzerland, allowing them to compete for six points against manageable opponents. Many predicted Yakin's team would advance from the group stage in second place, and they managed to secure points in every match, which is crucial.

Italy's style in this EURO has been inconsistent, seemingly adapting to the opponents' strategies. The match against Croatia was a must-not-lose situation, and Italy salvaged a 1-1 draw thanks to a late goal by Mattia Zaccagni. The upcoming battle with Switzerland, a well-balanced and tactically sound team, will be a tough test for the reigning European champions.

More questions than answers, but soon we will all know the first quarterfinalist!!!

Prediction and Odds:

• Switzerland win (1): 3.45
• Draw (X): 2.94
• Italy win (2): 2.42