Holders Italy exited Uefa Euro 2024 in meek fashion as Switzerland scored in either half to reach the quarter-finals for the second time in their history with an assured win in Berlin.
Remo Freuler gave the Nati a deserved lead eight minutes before half-time, collecting Ruben Vargas’ pass in the centre of the penalty area with a touch which set the midfielder up to slam past Gianluigi Donnarumma from close range.
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Better was to come from Vargas, who curled in classily 27 seconds into the second half to become the first Swiss player to score and assist in a knockout match of a major international tournament.
Italy vs Switzerland: Azzurri out in round of 16
Italy hit the woodwork twice after Vargas’ strike, Fabian Schar heading against the frame of his own goal and Gianluca Scamacca stabbing an instinctive effort against a post.
By that time, though, Switzerland could have been 3-0 ahead after Fabian Rieder’s clever free-kick was tipped against a post and behind by Donnarumma.
A delicious Swiss goal 👌#BBCEuros #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/QgvItAshlM
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 29, 2024
Switzerland will face England or Slovakia, who meet on Sunday (17:00 BST), in the quarter-finals in Dusseldorf on July 6 (17:00 BST).
Euro quarter-finals: Switzerland in again
Switzerland surprised France at this stage of the 2020 finals, and they enjoyed a far less nervy triumph against opponents who offered precious little to threaten them.
Only spot kicks stopped them from beating Spain and reaching the final four on that occasion and they will feel confident of going further this time regardless of who they meet next Saturday.
Just 27 seconds into the second half and Switzerland double their lead 😮#BBCEuros #Euro2024 #SUIITA pic.twitter.com/vh2NIcEPzm
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 29, 2024
Pressing high, finding passes in the tightest of areas and looking as true a team as any to have performed in Germany, there seemed little to fear for Murat Yakin and his fluent group once Freuler had opened the scoring as one of five Switzerland players inside Italy’s box.
Italy had been unconvincing during the group stage, losing to Spain and edging through courtesy of an added-time equaliser against Croatia.
This display was a continuation of that form, lacking cohesion in a dismal end to Luciano Spalletti’s first tournament in charge.
Stephan El Shaarawy started in attack but was replaced by Mattia Zaccagni at the break, only for Switzerland to seal a stylish win within seconds of his introduction. Their first victory in this fixture since 1993 was one which will give them justified confidence that they are contenders.
