Switzerland is into the European championship quarter-finals for just the second time after beating the defending champion 2-0 in Berlin, having also reached the last eight by claiming the scalp of France at UEFA Euro 2020.

Yakin's team was good value for the victory, leading Italy for shots (13 to 11), shots on target (four to one), expected goals (1.3 to 0.78 xG) and touches in the penalty area (24 to 12).

Azzurri boss Luciano Spalletti made several changes to his starting lineup for the match, reverting to his usual 4-3-3 shape after employing a 3-5-2 versus Croatia in its last group game.

After that match – a 1-1 draw which saw Italy sneak through Group B in second place – Spalletti hit out at reports that his players had forced the change of system.

Yakin believes Italy's revised set-up played into the hands of his team.

"It's unbelievable what's going on here," he said. "We've enjoyed ourselves in every stadium. Big praise to the fans.

"I knew if the Italians came with a back four, we would destroy them. Then we would let them run.

"Dan [Ndoye] closed down the midfield. His man, [Stephan] El Shaarawy, hardly saw the ball."

Switzerland will now face either England or Slovakia in the last eight next weekend, as it bids to reach the semi-finals of a major tournament for the first time.

Yakin has no preference regarding his team's next opponent, saying: "You'd have to ask the fans if they prefer England or Slovakia.

"We won an important game, and that's crucial. As for what happens tomorrow, and what comes after that, we'll prepare well again for our next opponents."

England faces Slovakia in its Round of 16 tie , with the Three Lions looking to reach the last eight at back-to-back editions of the European championships for the first time.