Ex-Rangers man hailed for historic World Cup impact just weeks after major European move

Itten, 29, was introduced as a late substitute alongside Ruben Vargas as the two sides played out a 0-0 draw after extra-time, with the duo both stepping up to score from the spot as Switzerland made it through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in 72 years, winning 4-3 on penalties.

In his third substitute appearance at the tournament this summer, the former Ibrox frontman’s impact on the game was praised by Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin, with the 51-year-old boss admitting his side benefited from making the right substitutes at the right time to edge past Colombia at BC Place, Vancouver.

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"It was difficult in the beginning,” said the Switzerland head coach. “But we stayed in it and showed great mentality. Then I brought on the right players at the right moment. In the end, it was important for the players who scored the penalties to be on the pitch then. It was just amazing. I was so relieved and happy. This is a historic moment. We have reached the best ever for the Swiss team but the trip goes on.

“Every little decision was important. Every piece of the puzzle fit. The absence of Johan [Manzambi] was a bitter ⁠blow but we did it well as a team. We knew it was a historic match, round of 16 and a chance to be part of the last eight is not an everyday event. We are getting into the flow and have to slowly process what has happened. It was an unbelievable victory. We ​had to stay very patient but we put in a top performance today ⁠so I am very happy with my players."

The Swiss frontman was part of the last Rangers side to win the Scottish Premiership title during the 2020/21 season, scoring six goals following his £2.7million from St Gallen the previous summer. However, he didn’t last much longer at Ibrox, and opted to leave the club after falling behind Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe and Jermain Defoe in the pecking order, subsequently leaving to return to the Swiss Pro League with Young Boys in June 2022.

He rediscovered his scoring form since his departure from Rangers, though, finding the net 48 times for Young Boys over three seasons, before being signed by Fortuna Dusseldorf last summer. Despite the Merkur Spiel-Arena side being relegated to the German third tier, Itten’s form in front of goal continued, scoring 16 goals in 32 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga.

Following his side’s demotion, a contractual clause allowed him to depart on a free transfer, and he was quickly snapped up by German giants Werder Bremen on a three-year contract last month. Following the confirmation of the deal, Itten said: “Werder are a huge club with a proud history, and my talks with the club went really well. I also had a great conversation with the coach, whom I already know from our time together in Dusseldorf.

“It quickly became clear to me that this was a move I wanted to make. I also spoke to some teammates who have played here before. Everything I heard sounded really positive, and I’m delighted to be a Werder Bremen player. I can’t wait to play my first game at the Weserstadion.”