Former Italy defender Marco Materazzi says the Azzurri will have an ‘open highway’ in the EURO 2024 knockout phase if they beat Switzerland in the round of 16.
The Azzurri, who have not been impressive in the competition, is to meet the Swiss in the knockout stage in Berlin on Saturday, June 29, in a match they are not referred to as favorites in.
The Swiss almost topped their group of goals—not the last gap goal by the hosts—and they have impressed so far in the tournament.
Materazzi, who was part of the 2006 World Cup-winning squad, warned his compatriots, saying they are no longer favorites and it’s never easy to beat Switzerland.
The former defender told Gazzetta that Swiss coach Murat Yakin can rely on footballers who play in the Italian, German, and English leagues because he has a balanced team with good players and a goalkeeper like Sommer at his disposal.
While noting that Switzerland are underrated but experienced, the former Inter Milan defender was impressed with their performance against Germany, which showed they have great confidence and shape.
“Italy must make sure they are not the problem,” he continued. If we go through, there can be an open highway, even if they’d better not think about it, or it would become a narrow path. We saw one in 2006, leading us to the game against Germany. This looks easy, but it’s not.”
“If we go through, there can be an open highway even if they’d better not think about it, or it would become a narrow path. We saw one in 2006, leading us to the game against Germany. This looks easy, but it’s not.”
En route to winning the FIFA World Cup 2006, Italy beat Australia and Ukraine in the knockout stage before meeting Germany in the semis and France in the final.
The Azzurri could pass through the same route should they defeat Switzerland.
Luciano Spalletti’s men could leave their best for the last, having struggled to qualify for the next round.
