Switzerland outclassed Italy with a deserved 2-0 win in Berlin, knocking the reigning European champions out of Euro 2024 and setting up a possible quarter-final clash with England.
Luciano Spalletti made six changes to Italy’s starting line-up, but Switzerland dominated from the outset. Breel Embolo almost scored early on before Remo Freuler broke the deadlock. Switzerland controlled 65% of possession and had eight of the first nine shots on goal before Freuler converted Ruben Vargas’ cross, making him the sixth different Swiss scorer at Euro 2024.
Vargas quickly added his name to the scoresheet, scoring just 27 seconds into the second half with a superb curling shot beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma. Italy’s response was limited, with their best chance coming from a Fabian Schar header that hit their own crossbar. Switzerland’s victory means they will face either England or Slovakia next weekend in Dusseldorf.
Sensational Xhaka Inspires Switzerland
Granit Xhaka’s incredible form continues. After playing a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen’s double-winning season, he dominated the midfield against Italy. In the first half alone, Xhaka completed more passes in the final third than the entire Italy team combined, controlling the game with his intelligent distribution. Switzerland now stands three wins away from the trophy, and Xhaka’s performances are pivotal to their success.
Donnarumma: We Apologise
“We apologise to everyone,” said Donnarumma. “Today, we disappointed. They deserved it. We struggled the whole match. In the first half, we lost too many balls, leaving too much space for them. It was tough, a very hard match to digest.”
Spalletti added, “That goal at the start of the second half cut our legs. We were not very incisive. What made the difference is the pace. We had a pace that was too inferior to them in the first half. Even in the individual players, there was a different pace.”
Credit: Sky Sports
