Italy will not retain their European Championship crown as a sluggish performance is punished by a composed and clinical Switzerland.
The Euro 2024 knockout stages began at the magnificent, sun-baked Olympiastadion in Berlin in front of 70,000, all hoping their country can advance to the quarter-final stage.
Just sixteen days until the final is hosted here, neither team wanted it to end here.
After a Swiss-dominated first half, midfielder Remo Freuler finely nestled home a half-volley for a deserved lead against the holders.
Italy were way out of tune, and had to improve.
Yet inside 30 seconds of the second half, the ball was gifted away immediately from kick-off and the lead was doubled from a stunning, curled, top corner finish from Ruben Vargas.
Both made the quarter-finals in Euro 2020, as Spain knocked out Switzerland in the last eight, while Italy lifted the trophy after conquering England at Wembley.
The Azzurri had an assured name suspended for this fixture as Bologna defender Ricardo Califiori picked up a suspension for too many yellow cards. Silvan Widmer was also suspended for the Swiss for the same issue.
The Swiss frustrated the Italians early on, deploying a press and forcing mistakes which prevented any attacks from their opposition. A collection of aggressive tackles and fouls from Italy showed obvious discontent.
The heat played a role in a laboured start to the game. It was 29 degrees in the German capital.
The first glaring chance of the game came from the superior team, as Breel Embolo, who scored against Hungary earlier in the tournament, was set through on goal after a poor Italian defensive line.
The centre forward was one-on-one with the intimidating Gianluigi Donnarumma and the Monaco striker finished poorly. The attempt was whipped centrally and was an easy save. The chance appeared to be initially offside, so the disappointment set in afterwards after the linesman’s flag remained down.
That chance ignited attacks for both, as an attempt from Stephan El Shaarwary was cleared shortly after while Switzerland began to create more dangerous opportunities.
Dangerous opportunities kept arriving, and Italy were breached in the 37th minute. Strong play in attack between Dan Ndoye and Ruben Vargas dragged the Azzurri defence out.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Remo Freuler occupied free space in the box, the ball was timed to perfection. A left-footed half-volley ricocheted off Gianluca Mancini and Gianluigi Donnarumma to hand Switzerland a deserved lead.
Italy were in trouble, and Donnarumma was denying Switzerland from killing this game. An intelligent Fabian Rieder free kick was tipped away marginally before half-time, things had to change for the side in blue.
One thing was certain, Italy would be knocked out if the second half was not an improvement.
The first half started as shockingly as it possibly could have for the team needing a response. The ball was immediately given away from kick-off.
Switzerland surged forward and Ruben Vargas sensationally curled a shot from the left after cutting inside, and the ball nestled in the top corner from just inside the box.
The sloppiness did not stop, clearly whatever Luciano Spalletti said at half-time had no impact. Despite that, fortune almost arrived shortly after the second goal as a Fabian Schar header back to goalkeeper Yann Sommer hit the post.
It felt like an off day for the European Champions, who were sluggish and stuck in first gear. The lack of pressure allowed Switzerland to play at their own pace.
However, as the second half reached its second half, Italy began to create chances. The first poignant one fell to Gianluca Scamacca at a difficult angle from close range. It agonisingly hit the post after a delicate poke, and the Azzurri were running out of minutes.
The Swiss had not overcome Italy in 11 matches, and now another European Championship quarter-final was beckoning.
A few pot-shots and wasted chances later, the full-time whistle was blown, and Italy were eliminated without a whimper.
The Italians will pay for a lack of organisation and attacking quality throughout this tournament. The disappointment will be falling so early for the tournament holders.
Switzerland will face the winner of England or Slovakia, who play tomorrow evening.
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Player of the Match – Ruben Vargas
With a goal and an assist, Vargas was the reason his nation reached the quarter-final.
Aside from those moments, his general play in the attacking phase was constantly troubling the right side of the Italian defence. Giovanni di Lorenzo was dominated in that battle.
The assist was a delicate ball, expectant of a midfielder yet weighted perfectly by the Augsburg winger.
His energy was constant, and noticeable in this slower-paced game.
The second-half finish was world-class. Knockout tournament goals of that quality are hard to come by. Vargas will be a problem for any right-back for the remainder of this tournament.