In a stunning upset at UEFA Euro 2024, Switzerland knocked out the defending champions, Italy, with a decisive 2-0 victory in the Round of 16. The match, held at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, saw Switzerland deliver a strong performance, capitalizing on Italy’s defensive lapses and lack of attacking precision.
The Swiss team took control early in the match, with their midfield orchestrated by Granit Xhaka and Denis Zakaria, effectively neutralizing Italy’s playmakers. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Ruben Vargas, who was later named Player of the Match, scored with a well-placed header from a Xherdan Shaqiri cross. Switzerland continued to apply pressure, and their efforts paid off again in the 65th minute when Breel Embolo doubled the lead, converting a swift counter-attack.
Italy, struggling to find their rhythm, failed to break down the resilient Swiss defense. Despite several attempts from Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne, the Italian side could not penetrate Switzerland’s solid backline, led by Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Switzerland, propelling them into the quarter-finals where they will face the winner of the match between Germany and Denmark. For Italy, the defeat ends their campaign and raises questions about the future direction of the team under coach Roberto Mancini, who faced criticism for his tactical choices and inability to inspire his squad to defend their title successfully.
The Swiss team, buoyed by their impressive performance, will look to carry this momentum forward as they aim for their first-ever major international trophy​
