It has been clear since late Monday evening: the Swiss national team will face Italy in the round of 16 of the European Championship on Saturday (18:00). Nati coach Murat Yakin is looking forward to the clash and exudes great confidence.
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- Nati coach Murat Yakin is looking forward to the European Championship round of 16 against Italy.
- The Italians are "unpredictable", but they are prepared for that.
- However, the national team does not want to focus too much on the opponent, but rather put its own stamp on the game.
- "We have enough quality and experience in the team to cope with a game like this," said Yakin confidently.
Nati coach Murat Yakin watched the match between Italy and Croatia on TV. "We've looked at both strategies and tactics in detail and are well prepared. We'll spend the next day or two studying our opponents and are really looking forward to the clash against Italy," said the national team coach.
The Italians are variable and have played with different tactics in previous matches. "They are unpredictable and we are prepared for that," said Yakin, who, however, does not want to focus too much on the opponent. "I also think that our opponents will have to think about how we play. A lot of things have worked for us so far."
In preparation for the match, the staff will show the team that the Italians can play different systems. But: "We have adopted our system. We're good at the game, we're through the group stage." However, the knockout phase is not just about tactics; mental preparation also plays an important role. Yakin is confident: "We have enough quality and experience in the team that we can also survive a game like this."
Efficiency is key
And how will the Nati overcome the in-form Gianluigi Donnarumma and his front men? Yakin smiles: "We have to be precise and efficient." You could see against Croatia that the goalkeeper saved two or three impossible goals, including the penalty. After conceding the goal, he was "extremely upset".
Donnarumma is a goalkeeper "who really does everything he can to keep his goal clean". However, this should not happen against Switzerland. Yakin: "We have enough attacking strikers with us who know how to get past him."
On Wednesday, Murat Yakin will be a guest on blue Sport's football talk show "Heimspiel bei der Nati". The national team coach will give an even deeper insight into his thoughts and feelings.
