By Samuel A. June 29, 2024
Reigning European Champions Italy were dumped out of Euro 2024 at the Round of 16 stage by a resilient Switzerland side, making them the third successive country to go out at that stage. Ruben Vargas contributed twice in the 2-0 triumph that sent them to the quarterfinals for the second successive edition, assisting Freuler for the first and then netting the second.
Memories of defeating 2018 world champions France at this stage three years ago probably injected the needed surge of optimism into Switzerland’s early endeavours, and the so called underdogs looked extremely assured in possession.
The Swiss initially didn’t turn their momentum into meaningful chances at first, at least until Breel Embolo called Gianluigi Donnarumma into a smart save just before the 25 minute mark, before Federico Chiesa saw his low shot blocked by Manuel Akanji. That effort was just about all Italy had to shout about during a dismal first half display, and the Rossocrociati turned up the heat at an already sweltering Olympiastadion. Shots came in from Fabian Schär and Ricardo Rodriguez, just before they finally grabbed their very deserved lead through Remo Freuler. Having received it from Ruben Vargas in the area, the Bologna man flicked the ball up and volleyed inside Donnarumma’s near stick, setting his side on course to emulate their famous 2021 heroics.
Donnarumma did well to push Fabian Rieder’s free kick onto the post on the cusp of half time, but he was powerless to stop Vargas’ stunning curled effort flying into the top corner from the edge of the area just moments after the restart.
Despite being distinctly second best, Italy at least knew that Switzerland had failed to keep a clean sheet in four previous matches, and Gianluca Scamacca prodded against the post as they looked to forge a way back into the tie. Substitutions threatening to pose further threat to the Swiss back line, imperious displays from the likes of Akanji and Schär ensured the outcome was never in doubt.
As excellent as Italy were poor, Switzerland cruised to a first victory in nine head to heads matches against their southern neighbours, and just a second since they hosted the 1954 World Cup. Luciano Spalletti’s days may well be numbered after such a substandard display in Germany, but as for the Swiss, this is a team that can genuinely go the distance. The goals have been pleasingly spread across the pitch; the defence with Manuel Akanji at its heart looks teak-tough; Granit Xhaka is three good games away from being a very good shout from the Ballon d’Or. All they really need is the belief that so often deserts smaller nations in the rarefied air of knockout football: so often Switzerland feel like a team that thrive when the going gets tough and regress as soon as conditions improve. A potential match up against England in the quarterfinals might just bring the best out of them.
