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Victor Petkov
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Switzerland stuns Italy to reach Euro 2024 1/4-finals
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The reigning champions looked lost in Berlin and end their title defense

Italy’s reign as European champions came to an end with a 2-0 defeat to a well-organized Switzerland side in the Euro 2024 round of 16.

Goals on either side of halftime secured Switzerland’s place in the quarter-finals, with Remo Freuler opening the scoring and Ruben Vargas adding a stunning second. Switzerland will now face the winner of the England vs. Slovakia match.

Luciano Spalletti, Italy’s head coach, made six changes from the team that drew with Croatia in the group stage. In contrast, the Swiss, with their only change being Ruben Vargas replacing Silvan Widmer, showed greater cohesion and organization on the field.

Switzerland dominated the first half, keeping the ball in Italy’s half and forcing Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into key saves from Breel Embolo and Fabian Rieder. Remo Freuler’s goal before halftime was the least Switzerland deserved for their efforts.

Italy was expected to come out stronger in the second half after a likely stern team talk from Spalletti, but they instead conceded possession right from the kickoff. Switzerland capitalized, with Vargas scoring after being given ample space in the box, doubling their lead. From that point, Italy struggled to mount a serious challenge, and the reigning champions failed to find a way back into the game.