Switzerland Shocks Italy, Advances to Quarterfinals in Euro 2024
BERLIN, June 29, 2024 – Defending champions Italy were eliminated from Euro 2024 in the round of 16 after a stunning performance by Switzerland, who secured a 2-0 victory at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas were enough to send the Swiss side into the quarterfinals, leaving Italy to face an early exit from the tournament.
Switzerland dominated the game from the start, controlling possession and creating several chances in the first half. Their efforts were rewarded in the 37th minute when Freuler found the net, giving the Swiss a well-deserved lead. Vargas then doubled the lead just 27 seconds into the second half with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box.
Italy struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match and failed to create any significant scoring opportunities. Despite hitting the woodwork twice, they were unable to find a way past the Swiss defense. The Azzurri’s best chance came in the 73rd minute when Gianluca Scamacca’s shot struck the post, but it was too little too late for the defending champions.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Switzerland, who have now reached the quarterfinals of the European Championship for the third consecutive tournament. It is also the first time they have beaten Italy in the competition and the first time they have defeated the Italians in over 30 years across all competitions.
Swiss coach Murat Yakin expressed his confidence before the match, stating that Italy should be the ones worrying about facing his team. “We don’t want to worry too much about Italy, Italy needs to worry about us,” Yakin said. His words proved prophetic as Switzerland put on a dominant display to send the defending champions packing.
Italy’s early exit is a major disappointment for the team, who had high hopes of retaining their European title. It is the first time they have failed to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament since 2004, and their performance in the group stage was also below expectations.
The Swiss will now face the winner of the match between Belgium and Portugal in the quarterfinals. With their impressive performance against Italy, they will be confident of continuing their run in the tournament and potentially causing more upsets along the way.
