Switzerland dealt with the Italian threat to advance to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Euro Cup 2024. The contest proved to be a rather comfortable hurdle as Italy fell to a 2-0 defeat. Goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas on either side of the half-time interval ensured the glory and progression for the Swiss.
Ruben Vargas was the star of the show with an assist for the first goal. He then followed it with a wonderful curling effort in the top corner to rightfully earn the Man of the Match award. Switzerland will now be up against the winner of the round-of-16 tie between England and Slovakia in the quarter-finals.
A tactical failure by Luciano Spalletti
Italian fans expressed their disappointment and discontent with the showing put by Luciano Spalletti. The former Napoli man, whose appointment as the Azzurri coach was celebrated as one of the greatest things to happen to Italian soccer in recent years, failed to live up to the expectations. Throughout Italy‘s journey in the Euros, weaknesses in the tactical setup were evident which ultimately proved to be too much to cover up against Switzerland.
Spalletti insisted on continuing with the 4-3-3 formation when many argued that the 3-5-2 shape suited the players much better. Italy adopted a very passive and pessimistic approach which was due to be punished by the Swiss. Even some of the personnel choices made by the 65-year-old did not work out according to the plan. His future with the national team will inevitably be up in the air in the coming months.
Another memorable round-of-16 tie for Switzerland
The country of Switzerland and the European Championship have a special connection with each other. Three years ago, the Swiss enjoyed one of the moments of the UEFA Euro 2020 by defeating the heavyweights, France in the round of 16. When the fortunes were completely against the nation, Switzerland completed a miraculous comeback coming from three goals down.
This time around too, Europe was a witness to a spectacle by Switzerland. In a fixture where Italy was undoubtedly the favorites, the Swiss managed to outplay the defending champions and earn a well-deserved victory. There is no certainty as to where Switzerland’s journey can go in the further rounds.