Defending champion Italy knocked out of Euro 2024 by Switzerland in last 16
Italy's Mattia Zaccagni reacts during a round of sixteen match between Switzerland and Italy at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, June 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
BERLIN (AP) — Defending champion Italy crashed out of the European Championship after losing to Switzerland 2-0 in the last 16 on Saturday.
Goals in each half from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas gave the Swiss their first win over their southern neighbor for 31 years and set up a quarterfinal against England or Slovakia in Düsseldorf on July 6.
Italy's Alessandro Bastoni vies for the ball with Switzerland's Kwadwo Duah, left, during a round of sixteen match between Switzerland and Italy at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, June 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Switzerland dominated in terms of possession, shots, attacks and passes.
By the time Italy responded in the second half, the aggressive Swiss defense was able to deal with it as coach Murat Yakin’s gameplan worked to perfection.
Freuler deservedly broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when he set up Vargas’ cross with his first touch and smashed it in with his next.
People watch a round of sixteen match between Switzerland and Italy at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Germany during a public viewing in Milan, Italy, Saturday, June 29, 2024. (Stefano Porta/LaPresse via AP)
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who had earlier denied Breel Embolo in a one-on-one, produced a flying save to deflect Fabian Riedler’s free kick onto the post before the break.
Italy's Gianluca Scamacca shoots on goal during a round of sixteen match between Switzerland and Italy at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, June 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
But the second half had barely started before Vargas curled a shot from the edge of the penalty area inside the top right corner.
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AP Euro 2024: https://apnews.com/hub/euro-2024
Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press
Switzerland's Ruben Vargas, center right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during a round of sixteen match between Switzerland and Italy at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, June 29, 2024.(AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
Switzerland's Ruben Vargas after scoring his side's second goal during a round of sixteen match between Switzerland and Italy at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, June 29, 2024. (Robert Michael/dpa via AP)