Pascal Zuberbühler is full of anticipation ahead of the round of 16 clash between Switzerland and Italy. "We're finally playing against them," he says, reminiscing about the 2006 World Cup, when they should have faced the eventual world champions in the knockout phase.
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- Switzerland will face European champions Italy in the round of 16 of the European Championship on Saturday evening. Pascal Zuberbühler is convinced: "The Nati has a huge chance."
- Zubi singles out the Italians' character and keeper Donnarumma. The Italian goalkeeper is playing an "outstanding" European Championship.
- Murat Yakin is forced to make a change at right-back. Will Stergiou, Rieder or Ndyoe play for the suspended Widmer? Zubi is eager to see the national team coach's line-up.
The national team has overcome the first hurdle at the European Championship by qualifying for the round of 16. The next one will be against Italy on Saturday evening. "I can hardly wait," says Pascal Zuberbühler ahead of the game on blue Sport. "We're finally playing against the Italians."
Why finally? At the 2006 World Cup, Switzerland would have faced Italy in the quarter-finals. But the Nati got stuck in the round of 16 against Ukraine after a memorable penalty shoot-out. Zubi still hears today in conversations with the then world champions that they were happy not to have to play Switzerland.
"The Italians don't like playing against the Swiss," says Zubi. He is certain: "We have a huge chance, because they have enormous respect for us Swiss."
Italy with character and Donnarumma
However, the former national team keeper also pays tribute to the Squadra Azzurra. "The Italian team is alive, it has character." He emphasized Italy's goal against Croatia in the 98th minute, which secured the team around star keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma a place in the round of 16.
And Donnarumma is the key word. "He's playing brilliantly this European Championship." The PSG keeper impressed at the tournament in Germany with a number of incredible saves. Zubi is certain that his performance against Switzerland must remain at this high level. "He has to perform well for the Italians to progress. Switzerland will get their chances."
Yakin's tactical finesse is required
If you create chances, you have to make the most of them to progress. Everything has to be right for the Nati on Saturday. With the exception of the game against Scotland, Murat Yakin's team got a lot right in the group stage.
Zubi is curious to see which starting eleven Yakin will conjure up for the round of 16 clash. "That will be interesting." Zubi mentions Ndoye, Rieder or Stergiou as replacements for the suspended Silvan Widmer on the right flank.
The blue Sport expert has confidence in Yakin's work: "The way he's set up so far, everything has worked out great, great." So successful that the Nati were able to overcome the first hurdle.
