The Italian veteran played in a major national team tournament for the first time in eight years

Italy and Switzerland are facing each other in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Euro 2024.

Starting for the Azzurri in this match is Stephan El Shaarawy. For the experienced player, this match marks his first appearance in a major national team tournament in eight years.

The last time El Shaarawy played for the Italian national team in a major tournament was on June 22, 2016, during the group stage of Euro 2016 against Ireland.

Italy did not qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and El Shaarawy did not find a place in the squad for the triumphant Euro 2020 tournament.

At halftime, Italy is trailing Switzerland 0:1.