Gianluigi Donnarumma’s fiery message to Italy after brutal last-16 exit to Switzerland at Euro 2024

Euro 2024 has already been full of surprises, but this one is the icing on the cake. Defending champions Italy were embarrassed 2-0 by Switzerland on Saturday to kick off the knockout stages, and the Azzuri will have to do some soul-searching after leaving Germany.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnaruma expressed disgust after the match, via Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

“We can’t just apologise to our fans,” he said. “It’s unacceptable, we were poor throughout the game. That’s the reality. We were terrible in the first half. That’s the reality, we have to accept it.”

Italy had already shown signs of weakness in their previous participation, having to miraculously equalise through Mattia Zaccagni in the eighth minute of added time against Croatia to qualify for the round of 16. But this time, they were not heroic in the end. Italy never really managed to challenge Switzerland, finishing with just one shot on target.

Switzerland now awaits the winner of Sunday’s match between England and Slovakia to find out their opponents in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

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Euro 2024 revealed Italy’s deep flaws

With centre-back Riccardo Califiori suspended and teammate Alessandro Bastoni out through illness, Italy were at a disadvantage from the start. However, illness and suspensions are commonplace and are no excuse for being completely outclassed in such an important game.

The defensive changes weren’t the only changes to the lineup either. Italian coach Luciano Spalletti curiously decided to bench playmaker Jorginho for Nicolo Fagioli, who was struggling to complete passes.

Swiss players included Granit Xhaka, Ricardo Rodriguez and Remo Freuler, all of whom put pressure on the new Italian backline. Freuler and Reuben Vargas were particularly outstanding, each scoring fine finishes to put the opposition down. Freuler’s goal was served by Vargas, who passed the ball perfectly.

However, the goals weren’t the most impressive part of Switzerland’s performance, according to ESPN’s Gab Marcotti.

“The highlight of the game? » asked Marcotti. “Not the goals, but a moment, late in the first half, with Switzerland a goal ahead and Italy pushing for an equalizer, when one opponent, then another, until he reached the Donnarumma goal. The ball went out of play and Xhaka raised his arms as the red half of the stadium roared.

Xhaka, who has been the lifeblood of the Swiss team for years, is in the type of form that gives his team a chance to go on a long run.

“When your 31-year-old captain, playing his 64th game of the season for club and country, does something like that – with desire, energy and intelligence – it sets the tone,” Marcotti continued. “And it highlighted what Switzerland had in abundance and what Italy totally lacked.”

After failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, Euro 2024 was a reminder of how far Italy have fallen since winning Euro 2019.