Italy under pressure as they face Switzerland

A goal from the almost unknown Mattia Zacagni was needed to secure a draw against Croatia in the final Group B match of the league stage. Due to this result, Italy finished second in the group. The team was 5 points behind leaders Spain.

Coach Luciano Spalletti believes his team deserve the knockout stages. He does not agree with those who have criticized the performance of his players. This 65-year-old coach criticizes everyone who is creating pressure on his team along with the media and says, 'The Italian team has improved a lot now. In my view, the players have improved day by day as much as they have played.'

Those who have watched the performance of the Italian team, all have the same opinion, it is not impressive. Italy beat Switzerland 3-0 in Euro 2020. However, now this competition has proved to be tough. Manuel Lucatelli and Kiro Immobile, both players who scored goals on the day, were benched by the coach. Midfielder Marco Verratti was also not given a chance. The two main defenders, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, have retired.

Juventus forward Federico Chisa is in his natural rhythm. Lazio's 29-year-old forward Zacagni believes that his team's full attention is now focused on the next game. He says, "We have an important match against Switzerland." We are only focused on that game now. What everyone knows is that the national team has to see even the sad days. A happy moment comes and we are waiting for it.'

Italian team during practice.

Most of the players of Murat Yakin's Swiss team play for different clubs in Serie A. Like, Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer to Bologna trio Don Ndoye, Remo Freulet and Michel Abischer. "We have watched videos of how Switzerland plays," adds Zakagni. The Swiss team is strong on its own. They play together, so we will definitely have to work hard to beat this team.'

Switzerland could be an easy opponent for Italy, at least on paper. But this time, the way the Swiss have played against the Germans in the league stage match, it cannot be considered easy in that sense. This Swiss team can put anyone under pressure. The team also drew 1-1 against Germany. The host country scored an equalizing goal in the 92nd minute. Again, in Euro 2020, the Swiss team lost Kylian Mbappé's team in the last 16.