Switzerland have defied the odds to knock out defending champions Italy from Euro 2024 in a heated round-16 clash.
Despite going into the game as underdogs, the Murat Yakin-led side were a team to watch out for in the tournament after a brilliant group stage run.
They got off the mark in their Euro 2024 campaign, defeating Hungary 3-1 and drew the next two matches against Scotland and tournament hosts, Germany.
The last game against Germany was a near-win for the team. Ndoye had given the team the lead since first half. It took Italy a late equaliser by Niclas Fullkrug to peg them back to a draw as the game ended 1-1.
Italy began their Euro 2024 campaign on a winning note. The Gli Azzurri defeated Albania 2-1 at Signal Iduna Park, thanks to a quick double by Bastoni and Barella. The second game against Spain ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat, no thanks to an own goal from Calafiori. The last game against Croatia ended in a draw with Zaccagni scoring a stoppage-time goal to secure a knockout slot for the Luciano Spalleti-led side.
With a rickety run in the group stage, it was a no-brainer the Gli Azzurri would struggle against the Swiss side despite a better head-to-head record.
Switzerland knock out Italy from Euro 2024 in round 16
It was a strongly contested game as the two teams locked horns for a place in the last 8. Switzerland wielded 48% of the ball possession while Italy had 52. Despite a slightly dominant run, the Italians were less terrific on the attack than the spirited Swiss side. They recorded 9 attempts with only one on target while Switzerland fired 14 shots with 6 on target. Two of the six on target resulted in goals.
Goals from Vargas and Frueler seal victory
Switzerland scored in each of the two halves to condemn Italy to defeat and bundle them out of the competition. Freuler opened the scoring for the team seven minutes after the half-hour to give Switzerland the lead.
The second goal was scored by Vargas just a minute into the second half to double the lead and seal the victory.
The win has seen Switzerland book a Quarterfinal slot while Italy have crashed out of the competition.
