Euro24 : Switzerland stun holders Italy 2-0 & send them packing

 

Superb strikes by Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas sent defending champions Italy out of Euro 2024 in the round of 16, as Switzerland claimed a 2-0 victory. Luciano Spalletti's team played a disorganized and lackluster game, marked by poor passing and decision-making, allowing the Swiss to capitalize on their errors.

Switzerland's solid defense was complemented by Italy's frequent turnovers in central positions and ineffective pressing. On a sweltering evening in Berlin, Switzerland nearly took the lead in the 24th minute when Breel Embolo went one-on-one with Gianluigi Donnarumma, but the Italian goalkeeper easily parried his shot.

Italy struggled to keep possession throughout the first half, with even simple passes often intercepted by Swiss players. The only bright spot for Italy was Stephan El Shaarawy, who had a promising chance in the 26th minute. After a skillful run, his shot was blocked for a corner, and surprisingly, he was substituted at halftime.

Switzerland, appearing more like defending champions than their opponents, broke through in the 37th minute with a brilliantly worked goal. Michel Aebischer created space for Vargas on the left, whose precise pass allowed Freuler to hammer the ball home, giving Switzerland the lead at halftime.

Spalletti's halftime talk failed to motivate his team, as they conceded a second goal within a minute of the restart. Italy's defense was caught flat-footed, allowing Vargas to curl a stunning shot into the top corner.

Switzerland almost gave Italy a lifeline in the 51st minute when Fabian Schaer's defensive header wrong-footed his own keeper, Yann Sommer. The ball hit the post and was cleared, keeping Switzerland in control. As time ran out, Italy resorted to speculative long shots that posed little threat to Sommer.

Italy's best chance came in the 74th minute when Gianluca Scammacca hit the near post from close range, but that was as close as they got. Fans began leaving the stands long before the final whistle, disheartened by their team's insipid performance.