Switzerland's Yakin hoping to catch Italy off-guard in Euros

Berlin: Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said Friday he was hoping to spring a surprise against Euro 2024 last 16 opponents Italy. His side face the r...

Berlin: Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said Friday he was hoping to spring a surprise against Euro 2024 last 16 opponents Italy.

His side face the reigning champions on Saturday in Berlin and while Yakin admires Italy's tactical football, he said his own team's set-up was more important to him.

Italy changed formation for their 1-1 draw against Croatia which saw them scrape into the knock-out rounds but while Yakin is not planning big changes, he did want to keep his opponents on their toes.

"We've done our homework, not only looking at these three games but previous matches prior to the tournament, and we've always been struck by how Italy can mix things up in terms of personnel and shape," Yakin told reporters.

"We're ready for Italy, that's the home of tactical football and I like the way they do things -- they defend as a unit, they man-mark all over the pitch and not many teams do...