Switzerland’s Freuler Cautions ‘No Room for Emotions’ in Italy ClashSwitzerland’s Freuler Cautions ‘No Room for Emotions’ in Italy Clash Bologna midfielder Remo Freuler emphasized the stakes of Switzerland’s upcoming Euro 2024 Round of 16 match against Italy, declaring that “there will be no room for emotions.” Italy, despite a challenging group stage, secured a second-place finish in Group B. Switzerland, on the other hand, advanced with more confidence, topping Hungary and drawing with Scotland and hosts Germany. Freuler acknowledged the significance of facing Italy for him personally, having spent his career there. However, he stressed that “it is a Round of 16 match and there will be no room for emotions.” Regarding Italy’s recent defeat to Spain and draw against Croatia, Freuler commented on their resilience but placed them among the tournament favorites. Freuler acknowledged Switzerland’s previous defeat by Italy at Euro 2020, but highlighted their subsequent growth and improved intensity. The Bologna star expressed optimism about Switzerland’s chances. “But I’m not afraid,” he said. “And Switzerland is not afraid of Italy.” The highly anticipated Euro 2024 clash between Switzerland and Italy is set to unfold at the Olympiastadion on Saturday, with both teams looking to advance to the quarterfinals.
Bologna midfielder Remo Freuler admitted there will be ‘no room for emotions’ as Switzerland prepare for their Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash with Italy.
The Azzurri secured a second-place finish in Group B after a difficult start to the European Championship, recording a 2-1 win over Albania before losing 1-0 to Spain and drawing Croatia in a dramatic 1-1 match, a point that has caused some concern among fans and experts.
Switzerland looked more positive in the Euro 2024 group stages, edging past Hungary 3-1 in their opening match before a narrow 1-1 draw against Scotland and a narrow 1-1 draw against hosts Germany. They will go into the knockout stages with confidence.
Freuler about Switzerland versus Italy
Speaking to Corriere di Torino via TMW, Freuler first discussed how it feels to see Switzerland play Italy in the round of 16.
“Of course it is not a match for me like the others. I built my career in Italy and also found an ideal country to spend my life with my family. However, there won’t be all this love on Saturday. It is a Round of 16 match and there will be no room for emotions.”
He commented on Riccardo Calafiori’s disqualification from the match.
‘I’m really sorry for Riccardo. I would have liked to meet him at the Olympiastadion. However, on Saturday the match is Switzerland against Italy. Not Bologna against Italy.”
Freuler spoke about the Swiss mentality ahead of the clash with the Azzurri.
“We don’t want to change ourselves. The tactics will be refined between now and the weekend. But the system and philosophy will not change. The group stage suggests we are on the right track. Even if we have to take a step forward now.”
He was talking about Italy’s tough group stage.
“We are talking about a team that never dies. A beautiful and special match awaits us. I would put them in the top three of the national teams.
“But above all, a difficult match awaits us. The favorites are clearly the Azzurri. And that’s welcome if they think they are…’
Freuler reflected on Switzerland’s defeat by Italy at Euro 2020.
“But then we went to the World Cup in Qatar and they stayed home. The difficulties of last autumn did us good. We understood that the level of performance would not be sufficient to meet the situation in Germany.
“The intensity and attitude in training has changed as a result. And during the training camp in St. Gallen, on the eve of the European Championships, a different determination and willpower was immediately observed.”
Finally, Freuler looked back on the group stage of the 2024 European Championship in Switzerland.
“It is important to do well in the first part of the tournament. However, the matches that make the difference, the matches that can change the dimension of a national team, are different. But I’m not afraid. And Switzerland is not afraid of Italy.”
