The reigning EURO champions - Italy stopped in the 1/8 round when they lost 0-2 to Switzerland. This result is surprising if based on the position and reputation of the two teams, however, it accurately reflects the developments on the field.
After the match, goalkeeper Donnarumma - best player at EURO 2020 said: "The match was terrible, we were completely overwhelmed. We can hardly find an excuse for this performance. In the first half, Switzerland completely controlled the ball and could score at any time. Overall, we suffered a completely deserved defeat.
Meanwhile, Italy coach Luciano Spalletti said he would take responsibility for the home team's results. According to him, the second goal conceded early in the second half caused his team to collapse. Italy did not show a memorable image of the defending champion.
We tried a few things in this match, but I realized that I had to change a few things, he said. This is not an embarrassing result as people think. Italy have overcome a difficult group. But we have not shown that we are a team with personality, consistency and rhythm. And that is what we have learned from this experience at EURO 2024.
As for Switzerland, they will meet the winner of the England - Slovakia match in the quarter-finals. Coach Murat Yakin emphasized that he and his students will enjoy the victory against Italy, before thinking about the next opponent.
We are strong and we have shown that, he said. We have defeated a great national team worthyly and we are very proud But we have to keep our feet on the ground and maintain modesty.
Some notable statistics after the Switzerland 2-0 Italy match
- Switzerland's 7 goals at EURO 2024 were scored by different players. Freuler is currently the oldest player to score for Switzerland at EURO at 32 and 75 days - breaking Mario Gavranovic's record of 31 years and 216 days at EURO 2020.
- Switzerland have not won in 11 matches against Italy before the quarter-finals of this year's tournament (6 draws, 5 losses). They have previously beaten Italy 1-0 in the 1993 World Cup qualifiers.
- This is the first time Italy have conceded more than 1 goal in a World Cup or EURO final since they lost 0-4 to Spain in the EURO 2012 final.
- Switzerland has reached the EURO quarter-finals for the second consecutive time after EURO 2020. They have only lost one of their last 18 international matches (won 8, drew 9).
- Italy have failed to reach the EURO quarter-finals for the first time since 2004. The defending champions have been eliminated in the third round of the last 3 EURos ( portugal at EURO 2020 and Spain at EURO 2016).
