Saturday sees the first two Round of 16 fixtures of Euro 2024 taking place, with defending champions Italy taking on Switzerland at before hosts Germany face Denmark.
Switzerland and Italy meet at the Olympiastadion in Berlin in what could be a tense tussle with the Azzurri having needed a 98th-minute equaliser in their final group game to secure their passage.Â
Group A winners Germany then take on Denmark at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund, with the Danes unbeaten but yet to win a game at the tournament so far.
Saturday’s Euro 2024 double (pays 11/2)
Switzerland v Italy: Under 1.5 goals
6/4
German -1 v Denmark
17/10
Switzerland appear good enough to push the Italians
Italy carry a proud history of tournament success and Serie A has always been of a high standard, but punters would be foolish to dismiss the chances of Switzerland in the opening knockout match of this championship.
The Swiss made the quarter-finals the last time they qualified for the Euros – in 2020 – and this current crop will feel they can repeat the heroics of four years ago. They have gone through the group stage unbeaten and will be confident of handling a less than spectacular Italian forward line.
Hungary were talked up as potential dark horses for the Euros prior to their meeting with Switzerland on June 15, but the Swiss cruised to a 3-1 success. The Red Crosses fought back from a goal down to draw with Scotland, then led Germany for much of their final group fixture before conceding a late equaliser.
Italy scored only three goals in the group stage – two of which came against Albania, one of the weakest teams in the tournament. The Azzurri may lack the creative spark to easily break Switzerland down. A dull, low-scoring encounter seems on the cards.
One goal may be enough to win the game, so the
6/4
about there being one goal or fewer in regulation play (90 minutes plus stoppages) holds plenty of appeal.
Assured hosts look ready to easily dismiss the Danes
Under 1.5 goals in Switzerland versus Italy can be doubled up with Germany -1 on the handicap at
17/10
. Paired together, the double pays 23/4.
England made Denmark look better than they are with a terrible performance after going a goal up in their June 20 meeting in Frankfurt. Denmark drew all three of their group games, scoring just two goals in the process.
This looks one of the weakest Denmark sides to have appeared in the Euros – and it would be a shock if they managed to upset the tournament hosts in Dortmund on Saturday evening.
The Westfalenstadion will be rocking and the home fans seem likely to enjoy themselves. Germany made light work of Scotland and Hungary in their opening two group fixtures – romping to 5-1 and 2-0 triumphs.
With qualification assured, Germany failed to sparkle against a resilient Swiss side last time out, but Denmark appear less equipped to repel the hosts. Germany can win by a two-goal margin or better.
Visit Betway’s Euro 2024 betting page.