Euros preview: Switzerland vs Italy, Germany vs Denmark
Switzerland vs Italy
The round of 16 gets underway with a couple of intriguing games on Saturday; first up, from the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Murat Yakin’s Switzerland go up against Italy, coached by the ever-entertaining Luca Spalletti.
With the score 1-0 to Croatia, Italy were moments from going out of this competition on Monday. That was until their equaliser, scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time, ended the Croats tournament in devastating fashion.
Afterwards, Spalletti railed against a room full of journalists, complaining about “venom from all sides” at the post-match press conference, after suggesting someone had been leaking information to the press about his team’s formation.
Has the former Napoli boss got the venom out of his own system now? More to the point, will his Italy side exhibit a bit more venom than they’ve shown so far against Switzerland? They failed to do much of note against the Croats prior to that game-changing strike from Mattia Zaccagni, after all.
The Swiss drew two of their three group games, against Scotland and Germany – can they step up a gear against the Italians? Italy won 3-0 against Switzerland in the group stage at Euro 2020; but the last two meetings between these sides have ended in draws.
Switzerland may be difficult for the Italians to overcome here. But the reigning champions seem to have a knack for doing just enough.
Spalletti’s side could progress to the quarter-finals without being entirely convincing; despite finishing as champions, Italy drew against England, Spain and Austria after 90 minutes during the knockout stages of Euro 2020.
So it would be little surprise if this match was a draw after 90 minutes. It could be worth backing the stalemate at 15/8.
Germany vs Denmark
Germany started this tournament in assertive style, firing five goals past Scotland in their opening game. Since then they’ve turned over Hungary 2-0, and drawn 1-1 with Switzerland in their final group game.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side should have the beating of a Denmark team that drew all their games in qualifying – even if the Danes displayed a determination against England that made the Three Lions look a little pallid by comparison.
Germany are strong favourites to progress, but backing the host’s Niclas Fullkrug to score might give you more bang for your buck.
That’s assuming he’s on the pitch; with Kai Havertz underwhelming, supporters have been clamouring for the Borussia Dortmund player to be the focal point of Germany’s attack.
Despite starting on the bench in all three group stages, Fullkrug scored against the Scots and the Swiss. Will he be named in the starting 11 against Denmark? If so, he’s definitely worth backing at 9/5 to find the net.
Otherwise, you could back BTTS at 21/20; after all, Germany have already conceded against Scotland and Switzerland…
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