Murat Yakin on Swiss win over Italy: ‘We took charge of the game and dominated. Our opponents barely had a shot on goal.'

Macdara Ferris reports from the Olympiastadion in Berlin

There was an air of sweet Swiss satisfaction from Murat Yakin after the manager masterminded his team’s comprehensive 2-0 win over Italy in their last 16 as they eliminated the champions from the competition.

With this two tone hair swept above a face with a smile that lingered for much of the post-match press conference, the tone of his answers were pitch perfect – praising his team for their display, thanking the fans for their support in the stands and not biting when asked about their potential opponents (England or Slovakia) in the quarter-final.

In fact the only time he bristled was when he was asked did he expect Italy to be so bad? He looked to focus on how well his own team had played, putting into action his plans.

“What do you mean so bad?” said Yakin. “Italy made six changes and that helped us. We shifted the ball very well. We dominated and we always controlled the game. 

“The team deserved this evening after a great display of football. We took charge of the game and dominated. Our opponents barely had a shot on goal. 

“We won against a top side tonight," said Yakin of Switzerland's first win over Italy since 1993.

"I’m proud of our team and the fans in the stand. We played a domineering style of play. It is important we won but it is so rewarding the way that we won.”

Italy face into a tie against England or Slovakia in the quarter-finals in Düsseldorf next Saturday.

“As to what happens, we will see who we will face in the next round. We want to enjoy this evening as it is important to savour this wave of enthusiasm we have created. We still need to keep our feet on the ground and be humble in our approach.

"The mood is excellent. There is no outside noise. 

“We had a week to prepare for Italy. We will be able to watch Sunday’s game and our plan will come to mind about what happens but we will focus on ourselves. There are only good sides at the Euros.”

Making the quarter-finals equals Switzerland’s best ever European Championship having made that stage the only other time at the last Euros.  

“We are on the right track. We are in a position that we have earned and we aren’t done yet. We want to show the same conviction in the next tie.

"Winning this match in the manner we did is hugely rewarding. I hope this is not the end of the road and we can continue to write history.”

Yakin said his team would celebrate with their friends and family on Saturday night even if they weren’t “going to go out partying in the city centre!” 

The neutrals won't miss this Italian side at the Euros and I don't just mean the Swiss.

Italy lose their European crown in meek fashion as Swiss sweep into quarter-final with ease.

My match report from Berlin:

Euro 2024 Report: Switzerland 2 – 0 Italy https://t.co/mfKFdoo33j

— Macdara Ferris (@macdarabueller) June 29, 2024