Switzerland U21 vs. Italy U21: Preview and betting tips

Sunday’s U21 European Championship programme will feature an Alpine derby between Switzerland and Italy alongside the Germany vs. What to expect from a match between two teams that must win after faltering in the first round, and what to bet on?

Switzerland opened the group stage in ideal fashion, beating Norway by the closest possible margin of 2:1 after a close battle. Otherwise, however, its record is not 100%, having won only three of its last six matches.

Italy had a tough opponent at the start of the group stage, falling narrowly 1:2 to France after a great fight. It was the first loss for Squadra Azzuri in months.

Key figures for Switzerland

The home team is led by Dan Ndoye, who has scored seven times and assisted five times for Basel this season. He also struck against the Norwegians, as did midfielder Kastriot Imeri, who has struck six times for Bern this season and added five accurate passes.

Key figures for Italy

On the away side, Wilfried Gnonto is worth mentioning, he scored and assisted four times for Leeds this season and was one of the team’s best players. Central midfielder Edoardo Bove’s decisive goal in the Europa League semi-final helped AS Roma past Leverkusen.

The Swiss have struggled defensively, keeping a clean sheet in only one of their last seven games. They got a deuce from the Netherlands, a treble from Spain and a single zero against the struggling Bulgarians.

The Italians, on the other hand, have been on the defensive, conceding only five goals in ten qualifying matches, with only three countries better. They have scored more than once in only one of their last 13 matches, just a few days ago against France.

Considering the differing frame of mind of the two defences, Italy’s star-studded squad and the fact that Italy need to win to have any chance of qualifying, I think the favourite will do their part and win.