STUTTGART, Germany: Switzerland midfielder Michel Aebischer said Euro 2024 last 16 opponents Italy “hate to lose” and said his side would be the underdog in Berlin on Saturday.
Switzerland had been on track to top their group but qualified second in Group A behind Germany after conceding a Niclas Fuellkrug header in injury time on Sunday.
Aebischer moved to Bologna from Young Boys Bern in 2022 and said his time with the Serie A side had given him an insight into the Italian football mindset.
“The Italians hate to lose,” he said.
“They are the reigning champions, they never give up... Italy are the favorite — there’s nothing more to say.”
After the group phase, several tournament favorites including Germany, Portugal, Spain and France are now on the other side of the draw to the Swiss.
The 27-year-old however dismissed suggestions Switzerland had an easy ride, with England potentially waiting for them in the quarter-finals.
“Of course, we saw that there are many big names in the other half of the table. But from the round of 16 onwards there are no easy opponents anyway.”
Aebischer said England “fell short of expectations” but added “I think they will improve now.”
Swiss Euro opponents Italy ‘hate to lose’, says Aebischer
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Swiss Euro opponents Italy ‘hate to lose’, says Aebischer
- Aebischer moved to Bologna from Young Boys Bern in 2022 and said his time with the Serie A side had given him an insight into the Italian football mindset.
- “The Italians hate to lose”
Safonov saves four shootout penalties as PSG beat Flamengo to win Intercontinental Cup
- The Russia goalkeeper was a model of composure to deny four Flamengo penalty-takers
- Luis Enrique’s team had taken the lead through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
AL RAYYAN, Qatar: Paris St. Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov saved four penalties in the shootout to help them win the Intercontinental Cup title against Flamengo after a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the final at the Ahmad bin Ali stadium on Wednesday.
The Russia goalkeeper was a model of composure to deny four Flamengo penalty-takers as they secured a 2-1 victory in the shootout, earning the French champions their sixth title in 2025.
In the calendar year, PSG have won Ligue 1, the French Cup, the Trophy of Champions, the Champions League, the European Super Cup and now their maiden Intercontinental Cup.
Luis Enrique’s team had taken the lead through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the first half, only for Jorginho to level for the Brazilian side with a penalty shortly after the hour.
