Switzerland knocked out defending champions Italy with a stunning 2-0 victory on Saturday, securing their place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals for only the second time in history.
Murat Yakin’s well-prepared team outshined Italy in the last 16 clash in Berlin, and will next face either England or Slovakia.
Ruben Vargas set up Remo Freuler for Switzerland’s opening goal in the 37th minute and then doubled the lead with a brilliant strike at the start of the second half.
Italy, lacking the star power that led them to Euro 2020 glory, struggled to respond to Switzerland’s energetic performance.
Granit Xhaka, former Arsenal midfielder now with Bayer Leverkusen, orchestrated the game, ensuring Switzerland maintained their lead.
Italy’s coach Luciano Spalletti made six changes, including dropping Jorginho, but the moves failed to invigorate his team. Nicolo Fagioli, starting his first major tournament match after a lengthy ban, couldn’t make a significant impact.
Despite barely advancing from the group stage, Italy couldn’t match Switzerland’s intensity. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy’s standout performer, made crucial saves but couldn’t prevent Freuler’s opener or Vargas’ stunning second goal.
Switzerland dominated possession, stringing together 33 passes before Freuler’s goal, showcasing their confidence and cohesion.
Donnarumma’s saves kept Italy in the game, but Switzerland’s relentless play secured their historic win.
In the second half, Vargas capitalized on a defensive lapse to curl in the second goal. Italy’s best chance came from Swiss defender Fabian Schar’s misjudged header, which hit his own post.
Substitute Mateo Retegui’s shot on target and Gianluca Scamacca’s offside attempt were too little, too late.
Switzerland’s victory marked their first win against Italy since 1993, breaking an 11-match winless streak and ending Italy’s hopes of retaining their title.
