Switzerland surprises Italy to secure Euro 2024 quarter-final spot

Switzerland eliminated reigning champions Italy from Euro 2024 with a stunning 2-0 victory on Saturday to reach the quarter-finals for the second time in their history.

Murat Yakin’s extremely well-trained team dominated the double flat winners in the last 16 in Berlin and will face either England or Slovakia in the next round.

Ruben Vargas set up Remo Freuler for Switzerland’s opener in the 37th minute before scoring superbly himself early in the second half to deservedly double Switzerland’s lead.

A new-look Italy, bereft of stars and many of the key figures who led them to Euro 2020 glory, offered little in response to Switzerland’s energetic display.

“It hurts, it really hurts,” said Italy captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

“We can only apologize to everyone, we were disappointing today and they deserved to win. We struggled throughout the match.

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, who arrived at the Euros after a stunning season with German champions Bayer Leverkusen, pulled the strings as the Swiss rarely looked like letting the lead slip away.

“I’m at a loss for words, it was the most important match of my career,” said Swiss midfielder Fabian Rieder.

“Everyone played for each other, we worked well in defense and attack… we have an incredibly great team.

“We want to enjoy the moment but continue to work hard for the next game.”

Italy manager Luciano Spalletti dropped Jorginho after his worrying performances in the group stage, bringing in Nicolo Fagioli at defensive midfield among six important changes that failed to breathe life into the Azzurri.

Spalletti said the second goal tested his team and exposed its limitations.

“At the moment, for many reasons, we cannot do anything else,” he said.

Spalletti had called on his team to improve in the round of 16 after reaching the last 16 thanks to a last-minute equalizer in the 1-1 draw against Croatia.

But it was Switzerland who grew in confidence and produced their best performance yet at the Olympic Stadium in sweltering heat in Berlin, where a far more impressive Italy won the 2006 World Cup.

Former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, now head of the Italian delegation, regaled the team with stories of that triumph, but it failed to inspire a convincing performance – apart from that of his modern-day counterpart, Donnarumma.

The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper, key to Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, made a fine save to thwart Breel Embolo midway through the first half as Switzerland created the first real chance by putting him through.

– Freuler door opener –

Donnarumma was unable to prevent Freuler from giving Switzerland the lead after 37 minutes when the midfielder controlled Vargas’ low cross and scored at the near post.

Switzerland held onto the ball for more than a minute in the build-up to the match, stringing together 33 passes before Freuler, who plays for Serie A side Bologna, applied the finishing touch.

Donnarumma made a fine save to tip Rieder’s free-kick onto the post before the break as the Swiss looked to match their best performance of the last Euro by reaching the round of 16.

Hosts Germany needed a late equalizer to avoid defeat by Switzerland in the group stage, having eliminated favorites France in the round of 16 in the previous edition. final. Italy cannot therefore say that it was not warned.

Spalletti crossed Stephan El Shaarawy on the stroke of half-time for Zaccagni, but Italy lost possession from the kick-off and Switzerland doubled their lead just 27 seconds into the second half.

Augsburg midfielder Vargas, who started in place of the suspended Silvan Widmer but on the left side of the attack, burst into the area and fired a superb curling shot over Donnarumma.

Italy came closest to a goal when Swiss defender Fabian Schar misjudged a header and hit the woodwork of his own goal.

The almost invisible Gianluca Scamacca also hit the post from close range, but appeared to be offside.

The teams drew twice in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, with the Azzurri failing to make the tournament, but went one better in Germany, claiming their first win over Italy since 1993, after 11 without a victory.

AFP