Euro 2024: Switzerland dump out holders Italy to set up potential England quarter-final
Switzerland ended Italy's tournament in the last 16
Switzerland produced an impressive performance to knock out defending European champions Italy and set up a potential last eight clash with England at Euro 2024.
The Swiss, who had previously only ever made the quarter-finals of the tournament on one occasion, produced an accomplished performance to end the Azzurri's hopes of defending their crown in Berlin. Remo Freuler gave Switzerland a half-time lead before Ruben Vargas put them in control of the game early in the second-half.
Italy, who needed a late goal against Croatia to ensure passage from the group stage, offered little and were second best for much of the game in the German capital.
Much has been made of the perceived easier half of the knockout draw, which England have been tipped to negotiate and make the final, but Switzerland showed they will provide stern competition if the Three Lions do see off Slovakia on Sunday evening.
The Swiss are yet to lose at the Euros and should've gone ahead early on but Breel Embolo fluffeed his lines and Gianluigi Donnarumma made a routine save. He couldn't stop Freuler's opener though after his volley took a deflection en route to the back of the net.
He also had no chance when Vargas took aim less than six seconds in the second-half. The Augsburg midfielder wandered into the area and was allowed to control and set himself before bending an impressive effort beyond the reach of Donnarumma to put Switzerland firmly in control.
Italy began pressing after they went two goals down and, with 15 minutes left, Gianluca Scamacca saw an effort hit the post from close range, but that was as close as they came. Switzerland holding on for a famous victory as they beat Italy for the first time since 1993 - when Roy Hodgson was in charge.
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