Switzerland became the first team to advance to the quarter-finals of the European Football Championship in Germany. Murat Yakin’s side put in a commanding performance and deservedly defeated a lethargic Italy 2-0 in a clash at the Olympiastadion.
Remo Freuler opened the scoring in the 36th minute, and Ruben Vargas sealed the victory for his teammates in the early stages of the second half. With the defeat, the “Squadra Azzurra” said goodbye to their hopes of repeating the Italian triumph from the previous championship in 2021.
Murat Yakin’s side started the match more confidently and aimed to push the “Squadra Azzurra” back into their own half through sustained possession. In the middle of the first half, the players in red missed a great opportunity to capitalize on their good play so far in the match. Striker Breel Embolo received a long ball, surged forward, and then curled a shot that Gianluigi Donnarumma saved.
Against the backdrop of their advantage in the match, the symbolic hosts took a deserved lead in the 36th minute. Winger Ruben Vargas received a pass on the left flank, set the ball up to cross to the onrushing Remo Freuler, who from close range stretched the net of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The goal definitely inspired the Swiss players, who could have doubled their lead at the end of the half. However, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma showed his incredible class when Fabian Rieder decided to shoot directly from a free kick, but the goalkeeper stretched and saved the ball for a corner.
The Swiss players could hardly have expected the second half to start in their dream way, scoring a goal immediately after the restart. The most dangerous player in the squad, Ruben Vargas, controlled the ball on the edge of the penalty area and with a real bullet, he silenced the helpless Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Despite increasing their lead, Murat Yakin’s charges almost scored a comical own goal. Defender Fabian Schär misjudged the flight of the ball and his clumsy clearance shook the right post of Yann Sommer’s goal.
Given their advantage, Switzerland seemed to play more relaxed, which Luciano Spalletti’s side failed to capitalize on their best chance in the second half. In the 75th minute, striker Gianluca Scamacca got away from the defenders’ attention and directed the ball into the left post. No more intriguing situations followed until the end of the match.
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