Struggling holders Italy deservedly fell two goals behind in the first match of the knockout stage of Uefa Euro 2024 when Ruben Vargas curled in a memorable strike for Switzerland seconds after half-time in Berlin.
Vargas took aim from just inside the penalty area and beat Gianluigi Donnarumma with an exquisite finish to put his side on course for the quarter-finals almost directly from kick-off.
Switzerland had taken the lead eight minutes before the break through reliably influential midfielder Remo Freuler.
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Switzerland vs Italy: Freuler goal
Freuler – a Bologna loanee from Nottingham Forest – collected Vargas’ pass in the centre of the penalty area with a touch which set the midfielder up to slam past Donnarumma from close range.
Switzerland entered the contest in more convincing form than Italy, having only been denied top spot in Group A by an added-time Germany equaliser against them on the closing matchday.
A delicious Swiss goal 👌#BBCEuros #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/QgvItAshlM
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 29, 2024
The Azzurri came from behind to beat underdogs Albania, lost to Spain and only sealed qualification with a 98th-minute leveller against Croatia in their third game.
“They look like a team from a different division,” former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy told BBC Sport of Luciano Spalletti’s players.
“It’s like watching a Championship side against a Premier League team at the moment. They’re getting popped, they’re getting played around.”
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
Italy ‘offered nothing’ vs Switzerland
Another ex-England international, Alan Shearer, was equally scathing when he assessed Italy’s performance during the interval.
“When Italy have got into a forward position – which has been very, very rare – they’ve offered nothing,” the top scorer at Euro ’96 said.
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“[Federico] Chiesa looks more dangerous from that left side – but that is it, they’ve offered nothing.”
The winners of the game will play England or Slovakia in the quarter-finals in Dusseldorf on July 6.
