Italy Vs Switzerland Euro 2024 Prediction: The Panel's Best Bets, Tips And Preview

Italy Vs Switzerland Prediction: 

• The Panel Tip 1: Draw – 2/1 With Betfred
• The Panel Tip 2: Xherdan Shaqiri Over 0.5 Shots On Target – Evens With BetGoodwin
• The Panel Tip 3: Match To De Decided By Penalties – 7/2 With Bet365

Defending champions Italy face a huge test in their Euro 2024 round of 16 clash with Switzerland to kick off the knockout phase of the competition on Saturday (5pm, BBC One). 

The Azzurri scored a stoppage-time equaliser against Croatia that knocked their Group B rivals out of the tournament and ultimately saved Luciano Spalletti’s men from the same fate after results elsewhere would have eliminated Italy from the competition. 

Switzerland, on the other hand, were extremely impressive in their Group A campaign and were minutes away from beating Germany before a last-minute equaliser from Die Mannschaft allowed the hosts to top the group and set up a showdown with Denmark. 

The Swiss are on familiar ground in the round of 16 and will be eyeing a second-straight quarter-finals berth at the Euros. Italy’s record speaks for itself and the Azzurri will be determined to continue the defence of their crown. 

The Panel have examined the performances of both sides at the Euros and have made three betting predictions for the knockout clash using the best odds from UK betting sites. 

Italy Vs Switzerland Prediction: Prepare For Drama In Berlin 

Italy will not be relishing the prospect of facing Switzerland despite their impressive record in knockout football. Switzerland defeated France in the last 16 at Euro 2020 before taking Spain all the way to a shootout in the quarter-finals.  

Murat Yakin’s men were thrashed by Portugal in the 2022 World Cup round of 16, but given their performances at the Euros, a similar result would be a stunning turn of events.  

They were impressive against Hungary before failing to kill off Scotland in the second half. Switzerland almost pulled off a famous win over Germany, only to be denied by Niclas Fullkrug’s stoppage-time equaliser.

A similar effort against an Italy team that needed a late goal of their own to avoid defeat to Croatia could allow them to progress to the last eight. 

Spalletti’s men have been underwhelming at the tournament to date, narrowly beating Albania before losing to Spain in their second match. Little did they know that if Mattia Zaccagni had not found the net against Croatia, it would have been curtains for the Azzurri. 

The Panel are expecting another nail-biting game for both sides, especially considering how well Switzerland have fared against top nations in the past. The Panel are taking the value of 2/1 for the match to end in a draw after 90 minutes on football betting sites. This bet would have paid out in five of the last six meetings between these sides.

The Panel Tip: Draw – 2/1 With Betfred

Italy Vs Switzerland Betting: More Shaqiri Magic?

Xherdan Shaqiri has only played in one of Switzerland’s three matches at the tournament, but his impact was significant, scoring his side’s equaliser against Scotland. 

The 32-year-old was an unused substitute in the matches with Hungary and Germany, but surely Yakin will thrust the experienced forward into his line-up in such a significant fixture.  

Shaqiri can make something happen out of nothing as was the case with his strike against Scotland, arrowing a perfect effort past Angus Gunn. He has now found the net at the last three World Cups and European Championships, a record dating back to 2014.

Although Shaqiri is not the player he was at the peak of his powers, he can still have a huge effect on Switzerland’s fortunes in the competition. 

Given the way he has been deployed by Yakin, The Panel are wary of pushing the boat out too much with their selection. But, odds of Evens are available on new betting sites for Shaqiri to register at least one shot on target in the contest. 

With his accurate left foot, it seems a solid option to take in what will be a close game. 

The Panel Tip: Xherdan Shaqiri Over 0.5 Shots On Target – Evens With BetGoodwin

Italy vs Switzerland Tips: Will It Be Penalties? 

The Panel already believe that the contest is poised for additional time with the match ending in a draw after 90 minutes. But, will it go all the way to penalties?  

Switzerland played out two shootouts at the last Euros, defeating France before losing to Spain. Italy beat out Austria in extra-time in the round of 16 three years ago and then held their composure to beat out Spain and England on their way to glory.

These sides have a habit of taking matches the distance, so the Panel are intrigued by the options on betting apps.  

Switzerland are 8/1 to win on penalties, while Italy are priced up at 15/2. It seems too close to call between these two sides, despite Italy’s prowess from the spot in the last Euros. The Panel are backing 7/2 for the match to be decided by penalties without picking a winner. 

The Panel Tip: Match To De Decided By Penalties – 7/2 With Bet365