Goals: Freuler (37e) and Vargas (46e) for the Nati
It is often said that the reality of the first round is not that of the knockout phase. After three unconvincing first matches and a qualification snatched in the money time, Italy had the opportunity to redeem itself and show that it still had something in it. Yes but there you go, the Azzurri did not transcend themselves and decided to deliver yet another mediocre performance. And against such a playful and serious Switzerland, the bullet did not go down well. Authors of a solid performance, the Helvetians gave the Italians a lesson, and it was therefore quite logical that they won 2-0. An imperious Nati who qualifies for the quarter-finals, where they will meet England or Slovakia.
The Nati s’amuse, the National team a la frousse
Confident after its more than convincing group stage, the Nati begins this round of 16 in the same way: play, verticality and high pressing which stifles the Azzurri, unable to get out of their half of the field. The latter can nevertheless count on their Super Gigio – the transalpine hero since the start of the competition – who comes to disgust Embolo with an authoritarian parade (24e). But the Swiss did not despair, continued to multiply the offensives and finally found the fault. With a millimetric cross, Vargas found Freuler who – after a sequence of control, volley – this time deceived Donnarumma and concretized the very clear Swiss domination (1-0, 37e). Just before the break, Rieder came close to doubling the lead with a free kick that Donnarumma barely repelled (45e). 59% possession, eleven shots to one: the Nati teaches the powerless defending champions a lesson.
Bonbon Vargas
And things are not going to get better for the National. Barely 40 seconds after the return from the locker room, the Swiss strike again. And in what style! With a curling shot from the edge of the area, Vargas cleans the left top corner of a beaten Donnarumma (2-0, 46e). The Nati has done the hardest part, but is close to offering a gift to Spalletti’s men, with this unfortunate header from Schär which could have deceived Sommer, saved by his post (52e). The biggest transalpine opportunity, that is to say. Forced to react, Italy finally decided to develop its offensives. But nothing to worry about Switzerland, solid and disciplined, which also and above all benefits from the lack of sharpness and technical accuracy of the Barella gang. Yakın’s men master their subject, and even this post found by Scamacca – ghostly until now – does not make them blink (74e). The minutes pass, the Azzurri are trying as best they can to get back into the game, but they themselves don’t believe it. That’s enough !
Relive Switzerland’s victory (2-0)
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