“He isn’t good since 2014”, “Italy are out” - Fans worried after 31-year-old is named in Italy line-up vs Switzerland in Euro 2024 Round of 16
Italy fans have expressed their concern on X after Luciano Spalletti opted to include Stephan El Shaarawy in the starting XI to face Switzerland. The two sides will lock horns in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 later tonight (Saturday, June 29).
Gianluigi Donnarumma starts in goal for the Azzurri. Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Gianluca Mancini, Alessandro Bastoni, and Matteo Darmian make up the back four. The midfield consists of Nicolo Barella, Nicolo Fagioli, and Bryan Cristante, while Federico Chiesa, Stephan El Shaarawy, and Gianluca Scamacca start up front to complete the starting XI.
Many fans aren't happy with El Shaarawy's inclusion. The Roma star hasn't been in the best form, garnering three goals and nine assists in 48 appearances across all competitions last season. Moreover, the 31-year-old's last competitive start for Italy was in October 2023, in a 3-1 loss to England during the European Qualifiers.
One fan reacted by posting:
"El sharaawy is useless he isn’t good since 2014"
Another fan wrote:
"Yh Italy are out El shaarawy starting in 2024 is crazy after being in the bench in his last 5 Italy games"
Other fan reactions can be viewed below:
"El Sha, Get the Medic on the phone," one fan stated
"El shaarawy as a starter in an elimination game in 2024 is INSANE!!!" one fan exclaimed
"Spalletti just doesn’t know what is he doing. Completely different formation for 4th game in a row and starting El Shaarawy instead of Zaccagni… Even Ballardini wouldn’t be so clueless," another added
"Did I just read El Shaarawy ?" one fan questioned
"El Shaarawy in big 2024, yeah Switerzland are winning this," another wrote
"Just honestly baffled by El Shaarawy ahead of Zaccagni in this line up. Personally would have loved to see Buongiorno get his chance in defence but can understand that choice more," one fan chimed in
"It is going to be very close" - Chris Sutton makes bold prediction for Switzerland vs Italy Euro 2024 fixture
BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton has backed Italy to defeat Switzerland 1-0 in their upcoming Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash. This will be their fifth-ever encounter at a major tournament, with the Azzurri winning 3-0 in their last game during Euro 2020.
Luciano Spalletti and Co. finished second in Group B behind Spain with four points from three games. In contrast, Switzerland remained unbeaten in Group A, also finishing second with five points, including an impressive draw against Germany.
Despite this, Italy will be the heavy favorites to progress to the final eight. The Swiss have failed to defeat the Azzurri in 11 matches (drawing six and losing five) - a run stretching back to May 1993.
Making his prediction, Sutton wrote (via BBC Sport):
"Switzerland ending up drawing with Germany in their final group game but they were ahead for a long time and it looked like they would top Group A. I was speaking to Danny Murphy about this game because he is co-commentating on it for BBC TV, and he fancies Switzerland strongly, but I never really agree with Danny so I am going to go with Italy."
He added:
"They are the holders and theyfound a way to get the result they needed against Croatia in their last match in Group B. In fairness, although they only scored their equaliser in the 98th minute, they didn't deserve to lose anyway because they'd had the better chances. I just have a feeling Italy will do the same here, and find a way to win, although it is going to very close."
Sutton's Prediction: 0-1