Switzerland’s impressive performance at Euro 2024 led to a convincing 2-0 victory over Italy, sending the defending champions home early. The Swiss team displayed skill and determination from the outset, setting up a potential quarter-final clash with England.
Switzerland dominated the game right from the start. Their first goal came when Ruben Vargas made a precise cross for Remo Freuler. Freuler controlled the ball and fired a powerful shot past Italy’s goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Vargas, who plays for Augsburg in Germany, scored again just 27 seconds into the second half. He received a pass from Michel Aebischer near the edge of the Italy penalty area and curved the ball perfectly into the top corner of the net.
Italy struggled throughout the match. They did not manage a single shot on target until the 73rd minute. Their best chance came when Swiss defender Fabian Schar accidentally headed a cross from Nicolo Fagioli against his own post, leaving Yann Sommer, the Swiss goalkeeper, stranded. Italy’s Gianluca Scamacca also hit the woodwork late in the game, but the Azzurri failed to mount a serious comeback.
While Italy’s campaign ended in disappointment, Switzerland, supported by enthusiastic fans in Berlin, will move on to Dusseldorf. They will face the winner of the upcoming match between England and Slovakia.
Switzerland’s performance was a reminder of their strengths. They had only missed a decisive win over Germany due to a late equalizer in their final group game. Against Italy, they showcased their intensity and sharp passing, particularly on the wings. They frequently got behind Italy’s defense, although Dan Ndoye missed a chance from a Granit Xhaka pass, and Breel Embolo’s shot was too close to Donnarumma.
Freuler’s goal was well-earned, adding to his impressive two assists earlier in the tournament. Although Switzerland was denied a second goal before halftime when Fabian Rieder’s free-kick hit the post, Vargas quickly secured the win with his second goal. The team maintained their high energy levels and solid organization throughout the match, eventually winning comfortably.
This is the second consecutive European Championship where Switzerland has reached the quarter-finals. They lost to Spain on penalties in the last tournament, so they will be determined to perform well in the next round.
On the other hand, Italy’s fans quickly left the stadium, disheartened by their team’s lackluster performance. After a poor showing against Spain and a narrow escape to the last 16 thanks to a late equalizer against Croatia, Italy’s chance to redeem themselves was quickly dashed.
Had Italy won, they would have faced a potential rematch of the Euro 2020 final. Instead, their campaign ended similarly to their failures to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Italy’s manager, Luciano Spalletti, faced criticism throughout the tournament. Despite making several changes to his lineup and tactics, his team’s performance remained underwhelming. Spalletti’s defense of his strategies did little to improve the situation, and Italy’s exit from the tournament was marked by a disappointing display.
