Switzerland defeated Italy before entering the pitch

Switzerland star Granit Xhaka has said his team already defeated Italy ‘before even entering the pitch’ in the EURO 2024 Round of 16. 

The Azzurri, who are the defending champions, were knocked out of the Euro 2024 championships after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday in the knockout stage.

Spalletti’s men were unimpressive with their performance before the game. In the game, they only recorded just one shot on target in 90 minutes.

Speaking ahead of their quarterfinal clash against England on Saturday, the former Arsenal midfielder said the Swiss won before even entering the pitch, as they had defeated them three years ago.

‘I’ve never seen Italy struggle as much as they did against us,’ Xhaka said, as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Switzerland midfielder lauded his teammates and the staff for their contribution so far, saying what they have achieved is a more than special objective not only for the result but also for the style of the play. 

They played at a high level and used the right approach against a prestigious opponent. 

He added that their loss three years ago against the Azzurri still hurt, and they proved that they have a great team spirit and deserved to reach this target. 

They were perfect in terms of discipline, with and without the ball. Swiss will face a relatively tough opponent in England that qualified courtesy of a late jude Bellingham equaliser before Harry Lane took them to the last eight. 

It’s now expected to be a top clash between both teams. They will prove their mettle as they battle for a semifinal ticket.