Euro 2024: Switzerland knock holders out
Switzerland 2 - 0 Italy
Switzerland delivered an impressive performance, defeating Italy 2-0 in Berlin and knocking the defending champions out of Euro 2024.
Luciano Spalletti had made six changes to the Italian starting line-up in search of a winning formula, but it was clear from the start that Switzerland were the superior team. Breel Embolo nearly broke the deadlock before Remo Freuler opened the scoring.
Switzerland dominated possession, having over 60% of the ball and creating eight of the first nine shots on goal. Their persistence eventually paid off when Ruben Vargas set up Freuler, who became the sixth different scorer for Switzerland in the tournament.
Just 27 seconds into the second half, it got even better. Vargas found the back of the net with a stunning strike. Italy lost possession from the kick-off, and Vargas curled his shot past PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma into the top corner.
Italy struggled to respond, their best chance coming when Fabian Schar headed against his own crossbar. Their reign as European champions ended, while Switzerland's campaign continues in Düsseldorf next weekend.
Swiss players impress again
The Swiss had nearly secured a win against Germany in their final group game, only to be denied by an injury-time equaliser. This match showcased their strengths once again.
Murat Yakin’s team displayed great intensity and incisive passing, particularly from the flanks. They frequently breached the Italian defence, although Dan Ndoye missed a perfect ball from Granit Xhaka and Embolo’s shot from Vargas' pass was saved by Donnarumma.
Freuler’s opener was well-deserved, following his two assists in the tournament. Although Fabian Rieder’s free-kick hit the post just before the break, Vargas quickly doubled the lead after halftime.
Switzerland maintained their energy and organisation throughout, comfortably securing the win. This is the second consecutive Euros where they have reached the last eight, after losing on penalties to Spain last time. They will be formidable opponents for their next challenge.
A nightmare in Berlin for Italy
Italian fans quickly exited the stadium at the final whistle, having seen enough of their team. After a lacklustre performance against Spain and narrowly making the last 16 with a last-minute equaliser against Croatia, similar heroics seemed unlikely here.
Had they won, Italy could have set up a potential rematch of the Euro 2020 final, but this performance resembled the failures that saw them miss out on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Luciano Spalletti, Italy’s fiery manager, has defended his team throughout the tournament, but this display offered little to justify his optimism. The six changes from the Croatia match made no difference, and Italy's reign as European champions ended in a disappointing whimper.
