It was a sad day for defending champions Italy as they exited Euro 2024 after a vibrant Switzerland side secured a potential quarter-final clash with England or Slovania.
Switzerland dominated from the outset, taking the lead when Ruben Vargas delivered a precise cross for Remo Freuler, who controlled the ball and fired a low shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Just 27 seconds into the second half, Vargas, who plays for Augsburg in Germany, doubled Switzerland’s lead. He received Michel Aebischer’s pass near the edge of Italy’s penalty area and curled the ball expertly into the far top corner.
Italy struggled offensively, failing to register a shot on target until the 73rd minute. Their closest chance before that came when Swiss defender Fabian Schar inadvertently headed Nicolo Fagioli’s cross against his own post, with goalkeeper Yann Sommer stranded.
Although Gianluca Scamacca hit the woodwork from close range later on, Italy never posed a serious threat of a comeback. Their disappointing campaign in Germany ended with a whimper.
Switzerland, buoyed by their enthusiastic supporters in Berlin, now advance to Dusseldorf. There, they will face the winner of the England vs. Slovakia match on Saturday, July 6, 5pm Nigerian time.
