Italy, defending champion, overtaken and eliminated by Switzerland, who reached the quarter-finals

In this first round of 16 of the European competition, the much more dominant and serene Swiss took out a helpless Italian team on Saturday (2-0).

It was a secret Punch: yes, the Italians were the defending champions, and no, they were no longer favourites in this Euro. Switzerland knocked the European champions out of their stronghold on Saturday June 29 during the first round of 16 played at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany.

If Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma kept his team afloat on several occasions; he ended up breaking down twice. First, in the 37th minute against Remo Freuler, Bologna midfielder and author of the first Swiss goal. Then, when a wind of revolt could have arisen on the Italian side, Ruben Vargas worsened the score, at the start of the second half, with a curling shot into the top corner. Outclassed, Italy never showed itself capable of making the Swiss, who were much more present in the area, hesitate.

Powerless and without the slightest inspiration since the beginning of the competition, the Squadra Azzura is going out by the back door in this Euro. It is a disappointment that the Italians surely felt coming because their squad is being reorganized and has been led for a little over a year by Luciano Spalletti.

“Unfortunately, rhythm and freshness make the difference. Tonight I changed players, but they were not able to do better” declared in particular at the end of the match, the coach of the 10th nation in the Fifa ranking, where Switzerland is in 19th place. This shows to what extent its players were overwhelmed by an exalted Swiss team.

We demand an apology from everyone. We disappointed people, and we didn’t deserve to win, there’s nothing to say.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

at beinsport

If this elimination of the title holders is an undeniable success for the Swiss, the Italian selection presented itself without much fanfare at this Euro. The Nazionale qualified with a small draw against Ukraine (0-0) and failed to reassure during its first round in Group B.

Italy won 2-1 against Albania before conceding 1-0 against Spain. Finally, their place in the round of 16 was only validated at the very end of the match against Croatia, by an equalizer by Matteo Zaccagni. He nonetheless: “it hurts, really hurts”declared the Italian goalkeeper and captain, Gianluigi Donnarumma, after the elimination of his team.

Another atmosphere on the Nati side after the match: “We know our qualities, we are not afraid of anyone” warned striker Breel Embolo, while saying “very concentrated”.

For the second time in their history, as in 2021 after the painful elimination of the Blues, the Swiss have therefore reached the quarter-finals. The Nati will face the winner of the next round of 16, pitting England against Slovakia on Sunday.