EURO2024’s first knockout match is in the books, and it certainly did not disappoint as Switzerland beat Italy at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
The defending champions ended their EURO2024 campaign on a rather damp note, offering very little threat in attack and struggling defensively. The scoring was opened by Romeo Freuler in the 37th minute, firing home from close range, before Ruben Vargas doubled his Switzerland’s lead just 27 seconds into the second half with a gorgeous curling effort placed just millimetres out of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s reach.
Switzerland’s impressive campaign will continue next weekend, where they will face either England or Slovakia in the quarter finals. Here’s five things we learned from Switzerland 2-0 Italy.
Italy exit EURO2024 with a whimper
The Azzurri’s European Championship title defence will go down in history as one of the most underwhelming since Greece crashed out of the group stage winless in 2008. Italy struggled to make it beyond the group stage, leaving it until injury time on matchday three to seal progression.
Italy barely made Switzerland sweat in the round-of-16. With the whole continent watching, the downfall of Italian football was laid bare as the side struggled even to approach the Swiss penalty area for much of the match.
Murat Yakin does it again
At major tournaments such as the EUROs, fans will often debate the breakout player of the tournament; someone you had never heard of beforehand who made their name on the biggest stage.
A topic discussed less often, though, is that of the breakout manager, and in 2024 that man is Murat Yakin. With spells at Spartak Moscow and Basel topping his resume, Yakin has stolen the hearts of the continent this summer, impressing with Switzerland’s tactical flexibility and discipline.
His Switzerland side were set up perfectly today, pinning Italy in their own half for much of the match and coping professionally with a late attacking flurry. The Italians had no space to breath, and the players were visibly frustrated by Yakin’s tactics.
After that display, England supporters should be very worried by the prospect of facing Switzerland should they advance to the quarter finals, though the Three Lions’ progression is far from a given.
Italy are finally punished for Donnarumma reliance
Throughout EURO2024, Italy’s defenders have played with the subconscious apathy that comes with the knowledge that you a world class goalkeeper behind you. His performances between the sticks have spared the Azzurri some blushes so far this summer, most notably against Croatia, but the luck finally ran out in the round-of-16.
There was very little Donnarumma could have done to keep out either goal he conceded, and Italy’s toothless forwards could not muster a response, managing a pathetic one shot on target which was easily saved by Yann Sommer.
Despite the two goals conceded, Donnarumma was comfortably Italy’s best player. He made a huge save in the early stages to deny Breel Embolo, later tipping a free kick onto the post to maintain what little honour Italy still had.
Italy were finally punished for their defensive laziness. Donnarumma is the only player in the squad able to leave Germany with his head held high.
Xhaka is among the best in the world
Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka is one of Europe’s classiest centre midfielders, and that class was on full show on Saturday afternoon. It was a true captain’s performance, as the former Arsenal player created three chances, played 16 passes into the final third, and made four ball recoveries, exerting influence over every area of the pitch.
Still just 31, we are witnessing a player in his prime, and we are lucky to be able to say that.
In the last three seasons, Xhaka has played key roles in two Arsenal title charges and Leverkusen’s historic 2023/24 season, which saw them win a domestic double and achieve an invincible league campaign.
When he first arrived at Arsenal, he was erratic, emotional, and technically lacking. Eight years down the line, he has developed into a mature, gifted player. Switzerland are lucky to have him, and he will be a key player through the end of the summer.
Italy made to rue Calafiori’s suspension
While Italy’s play has been underwhelming throughout EURO2024, they were not helped on Saturday by the loss of Riccardo Calafiori, their strongest group stage defender who found himself suspended after being booked in matches against Albania and Croatia.
With Alessandro Bastoni playing as though he was still struggling with fever and Roma’s Gianluca Mancini looking out of his depth, Calafiori’s absence was stark.
Calafiori has had an incredible impact on this team. A solid defender and competent dribbler with an eye for chance creation, his multifaceted abilities and balance of creativity and fundamental ability have made him a key player for Luciano Spalletti, not to mention a fan favourite.
He was badly missed, marking a bad omen for other teams heading into the round of 16 with suspended players, including Slovenia, Türkiye, and Romania.
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