Switzerland pulled off a stunning upset against reigning champions Italy, securing a 2-0 victory in the Euro 2024 round of 16. Goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas propelled Switzerland into the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history.
Switzerland started the match with tremendous energy, and their persistence paid off in the 37th minute. Ruben Vargas delivered a precise low cross that Remo Freuler expertly controlled before slotting past Gianluigi Donnarumma at the near post. The goal highlighted Switzerland’s cohesive play, with a sequence involving 33 passes.
The Swiss team didn’t let up after their first goal. Just 27 seconds into the second half, Ruben Vargas struck again, curling a superb shot over Donnarumma to double Switzerland’s lead and seal Italy’s fate. Italy struggled to respond effectively and found it challenging to break down Switzerland’s well-organized defense.
Granit Xhaka, the former Arsenal midfielder now with Bayer Leverkusen, played a pivotal role in Switzerland’s midfield, dictating the tempo and facilitating their play. His performance epitomized Switzerland’s strategy of maintaining possession and frustrating Italy.
Italy, favored to advance with odds of +155, appeared disjointed and lacked the cohesion that had led them to triumph at Euro 2020. Luciano Spalletti’s decision to start Nicolo Fagioli instead of Jorginho did not pay dividends. Fagioli, who had missed much of the season with Juventus due to a gambling suspension, failed to provide the stability needed in midfield. Italy’s six changes from their previous group-stage match failed to inject dynamism into the squad.
Defensively, Italy looked vulnerable throughout the match. Apart from Donnarumma’s crucial saves, the Italian defense struggled against Switzerland’s swift and accurate attacks. Switzerland’s Breel Embolo almost opened the scoring in the first half, denied only by Donnarumma’s excellent save.
Italy’s attack was equally ineffective. Substitute Mateo Retegui and Gianluca Scamacca had the best chances, but neither managed to convert. Scamacca’s effort hitting the post encapsulated Italy’s frustrating night – coming close but ultimately falling short. After barely scraping through the group stage, Italy seemed devoid of ideas and energy against a vibrant Swiss side.
Looking ahead, Switzerland faces England in what promises to be a thrilling quarter-final clash at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf on Saturday, July 6. Switzerland has impressed with their consistent performances, while England has struggled in a challenging Euro 2024 campaign. The stage is set for an intriguing match, with Switzerland’s ability to strike early posing a significant challenge to England’s defense, which has shown vulnerabilities.
Despite England being favored to advance at +120 odds to reach the World Cup semifinals, Switzerland, at +270 odds, cannot be underestimated.
As Switzerland prepares to battle England, anticipation is high for another captivating match that could go down to the wire, keeping fans eagerly on the edge of their seats.