Bologna midfielder Remo Freuler admitted there’ll be ‘no room for emotions’ as Switzerland gear up for their Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash with Italy.
The Azzurri secured a second-place finish in Group B after a tough start to the European Championship, edging out a 2-1 win over Albania before losing to Spain 1-0 and drawing Croatia in a dramatic 1-1 clash, a run that has caused some concern amongst fans and pundits.
Switzerland looked more positive in their Euro 2024 group stage campaign, cruising past Hungary 3-1 in their opening game before a close 1-1 draw with Scotland and a tight 1-1 draw with hosts Germany. They’ll be feeling confident ahead of the knockout stages.
Freuler on Switzerland vs Italy
Speaking to Corriere di Torino via TMW, Freuler first discussed how it feels to see Switzerland take on Italy in the Round of 16.
“Naturally it’s not a match like the others for myself. I built my career in Italy, also finding an ideal country to spend my life with my family. On Saturday, however, there won’t be all this love. It’s a Round of 16 match and there’ll be no room for emotions.”
He commented on Riccardo Calafiori’s disqualification from the match.
“I’m sorry for Riccardo, really. I would’ve liked to face him at the Olympiastadion. On Saturday, however, the match will be Switzerland against Italy. Not Bologna against Italy.”
Freuler spoke about Switzerland’s mindset heading into the clash with the Azzurri.
“We don’t want to change ourselves. The tactics will be refined between now and the weekend. But the system and philosophy will not change. The group stage suggests that we’re on the right path. Even if now, we need to take another step forward.”
He touched on Italy’s tough group stage campaign.
“We are talking about a team that never dies. A beautiful and special match awaits us. I would place them in the top three amongst the national teams.
“Above all, however, a difficult match awaits us. The favourites are clearly the Azzurri. And that’s welcome if they believe themselves to be so…”
Freuler reflected on Switzerland’s defeat to Italy at Euro 2020.
“But then we went to the World Cup in Qatar and they stayed at home. The difficulties of last autumn did us good. We understood that the level of performance would not be sufficient to be up to par of the situation in Germany.
“The intensity and attitude in training has therefore changed. And during the training camp in St. Gallen, on the eve of the European Championship, a different determination and willpower were immediately perceived.”
Finally, Freuler looked back on Switzerland’s Euro 2024 group stage.
“Doing well in the first part of the tournament is important. The matches that make the difference, those capable of changing the dimension of a national team, however, are others. But I’m not afraid. And Switzerland are not afraid of Italy.”
More must-reads: