BERLIN-. The defending champion Italia crashed and was left out of the European Championship with the 2-0 defeat on Saturday in the round of 16 against Swiss.
Goals in either half from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas gave Switzerland its first win over its southern neighbour in 31 years and now awaits its quarter-final opponent on 6 July in Düsseldorf, which will emerge from the duel between England and Slovakia.
Switzerland dominated in terms of possession, shots, attacks and passes.
By the time Italy was ready to respond in the second half, the aggressive Swiss defense was able to cope without problems and coach Muray Yakin’s game plan worked perfectly.
Freuler deservedly opened the scoring in the 37th minute, controlling the ball with his first touch after Vargas’ pass and firing home with his second touch.
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who had earlier denied Breel Embolo, leapt to deny Fabian Riedler’s free-kick shortly before half-time.
But the match had barely restarted when Vargas fired a shot from the edge of the area into the back of the goal to seal the match.
Swiss defender Fabian Schär was relieved when his attempted headed clearance hit the post shortly afterwards.
Fans attempted to perform the wave at the Olympiastadion, but the Italian supporters were not in the mood.
Italy pushed trying to get into the match, but found no way. Gianluca Scamacca came close to scoring when he hit the post, but he was offside.
Italian coach Luciano Spalletti spoke of his team’s “beautiful outfits” before the duel against Spain, but on this occasion he failed to pull off any tricks up his sleeve like when substitute Mattia Zaccagni scored at the last minute to tie against Croatia.
Source: AP
