the Swiss outclass the Italians and rush into 1/4

After a seemingly endless two-day break, Euro 2024 resumed this Saturday at 6pm with the start of the most exciting phase: the direct qualifiers. Coming out of a worrying group stage, Italy faced a promising Swiss team, having notably resisted Germany by leading for over an hour (1-1). In Berlin, the qualification of the Squadra Azzurra seemed seriously in danger. From the start of the match, this impression was reinforced with a laborious start from the Italians. Confined to their half of the field, they were dominated by an inspired Nati, not hesitating to attack. Like an overwhelmed Giovanni Di Lorenzo, the Nazionale was heavily pressed by an enterprising Switzerland, who created several chances. They could have scored if Gianluigi Donnarumma, abandoned by his defense and faced alone with Breel Embolo (24th), had not made a decisive save. Controlling the game and increasingly threatening near the Italian area, Murat Yakin’s team was rewarded. Served in the area by Renato Vargas, Remo Freuler controlled then beat Donnarumma with a magnificent left-footed shot (1-0, 37th). Non-existent, Italy could have conceded another goal before half-time, but once again, the PSG goalkeeper saved his team with a spectacular save on a free kick from Fabian Rieder just before the break (45+1st).

Amorphous Italians versus efficient Swiss

Returning from the locker room, one would have thought that Luciano Spalletti had known how to motivate his players. However, the response came in less than a minute. Off-center on the left, Renato Vargas easily penetrated the axis against a passive Italian defense. Once refocused, the Swiss winger gave Donnarumma no chance with a precise shot. Title holders, Squadra Azzura probably did not deserve better given their worrying performance in the tournament. However, the journey continues for Switzerland. Brilliant this Saturday, the Nati will therefore meet Slovakia or England in the quarter-finals next week.