Sommer does not want to face Jorginho for Switzerland-Italy penalty again | OneFootball

Yann Sommer insists he is in no hurry to face Jorginho from the penalty spot again, despite their history, as Switzerland and Italy face off at EURO 2024.

The Round of 16 tie kicks off on Saturday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT) at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.

Sommer is one of several current and former Serie A players likely to start the match for Switzerland, who finished runners-up to hosts Germany in their group.

“The atmosphere in the squad is really excellent, we all have success in our minds. It’s going to be a very important game and I am really happy to face Italy,” said Inter star Sommer in his press conference.

The last time these sides met was in the 2022 World Cup qualifying group, which Switzerland topped largely thanks to two draws, in which Jorginho failed to convert a penalty in each of them.

Considering that history, are they already preparing for spot-kicks and would the goalkeeper love to face Jorginho again?

“No, I don’t want to see him on the spot tomorrow. Those were two very important situations so we could qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, but tomorrow is a different story. I am not here thinking about those penalties.

“Before a match, I do not study all the individual penalty takers, I concentrate on the game. If and when the time comes, the coaches will help me at that specific moment.”

Sommer knows Italy strikers well

Luciano Spalletti confirmed he has not yet decided between Gianluca Scamacca and Mateo Retegui as the centre-forward, so would that change much for Switzerland?

“We prepared for all the Italy strikers, I know them both. It is useful knowing the opponents, but I don’t know if it’ll be an advantage tomorrow. We are up against the reigning Champions of Europe, so they remain the favourites against us, but we are ready.”

In a battle of the goalkeepers, how does Sommer see himself against Gianluigi Donnarumma?

“He is a great shot-stopper, I’ve already played against him in the past. He started so young, the Inter goalkeeping coach worked with Donnarumma at PSG and I am always happy to see colleagues with this kind of quality.”

Sommer will also have noticed from the media that Inter struck a deal with Genoa to sign Josep Martinez, so could his gloves be at risk next season?

“I know that Emil Audero is leaving, so we’ll see what happens, it will still be three goalkeepers at Inter.”