NOS Voetbal•gisteren, 19:53
Watch the abstract of Switzerland – Italy
Defending champions Italy have been knocked out by Switzerland within the spherical of 16 of the European Championship in Germany. The struggling Italian staff had been no match for the Swiss, who had been significantly better in Berlin and had been the primary to qualify for the quarter-finals after a 2-0 victory.
A objective within the first half and a very good objective instantly after halftime gave Switzerland the lead it deserved given the sport. Italy then made frantic makes an attempt to get again into the match, however they didn’t even come near a comeback as within the final group match in opposition to Croatia (1-1 in damage time).
Nationwide coach Luciano Spalletti had modified his staff once more for the match in opposition to Switzerland. After a system change (to 3 defenders) had yielded little in opposition to the Croats, he opted for the acquainted 4-3-3 within the Olympiastadion, with no fewer than six new primary gamers.
Regardless of some opportunistic strikes by 31-year-old Stephan El Shaarawy, a first-team participant at a European Championship (or World Cup) for the primary time, the modifications didn’t show to be a golden transfer by Spalletti. Opponent Switzerland had the higher plan. The staff of coach Murat Yakin was extra tightly organised everywhere in the area and is properly attuned to one another.
Even Donnarumma has no likelihood
Italy’s weaknesses had been quickly uncovered by the Swiss; It was primarily because of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma that just one objective was scored within the first half. That objective got here from Remo Freuler, who, after a go from Ruben Vargas, had loads of time to regulate the ball earlier than hitting the goal: 1-0.
Spalletti as soon as once more positioned Italy’s destiny within the arms of Mattia Zaccagni. The savior of the night in opposition to Croatia got here in after the break for El Shaarawy. However earlier than Zaccagni had even touched the ball, the deficit was doubled.
Italy kicked off the second half themselves and despatched 5 males ahead, however couldn’t even get the ball previous the Swiss midfield. The artful Swiss smelled a chance and instantly went for it. The Italians hurried again, however primarily watched as Vargas superbly shot the ball into the far cross (2-0).
Spalletti, who turned nationwide coach final 12 months after Robert Mancini unexpectedly resigned, modified what he may. With an additional striker, Italy had a number of extra threatening moments. Nevertheless it turned out to be little greater than the final convulsions. After lacking out on qualifying for the final World Cup, the early exit in Germany is the subsequent blow for the Azzurri.
ReutersLuciano Spalletti
Switzerland’s confidence has solely grown throughout this European Championship. After the group stage with out defeat, the primary hurdle within the knockout stage has been taken. The winner of England-Slovakia awaits within the quarter-finals. That match will probably be performed tomorrow.