The defending champions were eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2024 European Football Championship. The Italians, who had already been unconvincing in the group stage, lost 2-0 (0-1) to Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday following a very weak performance. Thanks to goals from Remo Freuler (37th) and Ruben Vargas (46th), the Swiss, who were playing well, are in the quarter-finals, just like three years ago, where the winner of Sunday’s match between England and Slovakia will be waiting next Saturday.
The highlights of the match:
Italy’s team manager Luciano Spalletti made six changes compared to the last group match once morest Croatia (1:1). Gianluca Mancini came in instead of the previously outstanding but suspended central defender Riccardo Calafiori, winger Federico Chiesa and striker Gianluca Scamacca returned to the team, Nicolo Fagioli, Bryan Cristante and Stephan El Shaarawy were in the starting eleven for the first time.
Photo: RONNY HARTMANN (AFP)
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Photo: RONNY HARTMANN (AFP)
But the changes didn’t work. The Swiss dominated the game, using their pressing and combination play to establish themselves in the Italian half of the pitch for long periods. In the 24th minute, Murat Yakin’s team created their first big chance. Breel Embolo ran alone towards Gianluigi Donnarumma, but was stopped by the Italian goalkeeper. The four-time world champions also became dangerous through Chiesa straight away – but this remained the exception.
The Swiss kept pushing in temperatures just under 30 degrees in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium and deservedly took the lead. After a cross from Vargas, Feuler had plenty of time to get the ball ready in the middle of the penalty area and scored with a shot that was slightly deflected by Mancini to take the lead (37′). The Italians, who were disappointing across the board, were lucky to go into the break only one goal behind. Donnarumma was just able to clear a free kick from Fabian Rieder with the help of the post (45’+1).