Switzerland vs Italy LIVE SCORE: Neighbours kick off knockout stages in crunch last 16 clash – latest updates

Good afternoon from Berlin

Welcome to live coverage of Switzerland against Italy in the Last 16 of Euro 2024.

It's the first day of the knockout stage, and so it is fitting that we begin with the reigning champions.

Mind you, they nearly didn't make it this far in their defence at all.

Had it not been for Mattia Zaccagni’s 90+8th minute equaliser against Croatia in Leipzig on Monday, then the Azzurri would already be back home having failed to make it out of Group B as one of the best third-placed teams.

But the Italians are renowned slow starters, and a test against the Swiss this evening could prove the perfect opportunity to kickstart this summer's campaign.

In contrast, the Rossocrociati eased their way out of Group A - and almost beat hosts Germany to top spot until an injury time goal from Niclas Fullkrug denied them at the last six days ago.

Murat Yakin's men are now eager to at least replicate their quarter-final showing of the last Euros when they sparkled at this stage of the tournament with an epic comeback against France before prevailing on penalties.

So which nation will be the first to book a place in the quarters? It's almost time to find out.

It's a 5pm kick-off in the German capital, and team news is on the way.