Overthinking could be lethal for Azzurri today, claims legendary boss
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 29.06.24. | 12:39
Fabio Capello believes his compatriots should look for simple solutions in the opening EURO 2024 1/8 finals clash against Switzerland (7 pm)
It's the exact same venue where Italy celebrated their 2006 FIFA World Cup triumph. Almost 18 years later, Gli Azzurri return to the mythical Olympic stadium in Berlin on Saturday afternoon, only this time in the EURO 2024 Round of 16 against Switzerland.
The Italians qualified for this tournament stage thanks to the late Mattia Zaccagni equalizer against Croatia, while the Swiss comfortably finished behind Germany and could have even won Group A.
"I've seen Switzerland play, and I am convinced that underestimating them would be a huge mistake," legendary Fabio Capello wrote in his column for La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"They have all it takes to create trouble for us, starting with their attitude on the pitch. They are a solid, practical, humble, and simple team, and if there's one thing we've understood in this Euro, it's that those who make simple things obtain results."
The former AC Milan, Juventus and England coach thinks that Italy sometimes look "too concerned with following the coach's tactical instructions".
"They are not practical because they overthink."
Contemplating about what Gli Azzurri need to qualify for the quarter-finals, Capello concludes:
"A concrete team able to create goal-scoring opportunities, as we saw for 70 minutes against Albania. At the same time, they must show the desire that emerged after Modric's goal in Leipzig," Capello replied.
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And who could turn into a hero against Switzerland?
"Federico Chiesa. He must bite the game from the very beginning with his skill sets: dribbling, pace and courage. His introduction against Croatia changed the game. This time, he must make a difference by starting. Switzerland's left flank is the most vulnerable side and Chiesa has everything to confuse Yakin's team with his one-v-one," concluded Capello.
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - 1/8 FINALS
Saturday
19.00: (3.40) Switzerland (3.00) Italy (2.55)
22.00: (1.65) Germany (4.00) Denmark (6.10)
Sunday
19.00: (1.45) England (4.50) Slovakia (9.50)
22.00: (1.25) Spain (6.50) Georgia (15.0)
Monday
19.00: (1.95) France (3.40) Belgium (4.70)
22.00: (1.43) Portugal (4.75) Slovenia (9.10)
Tuesday
19.00: (8.25) Romania (4.30) Netherlands (1.50)
22.00: (1.95) Austria (3.50) Turkey (4.50)
***odds are subject to change***
