
The Italian national team has seen its quest to repeat as European Champions end in a disappointing fashion. Italy was eliminated from EURO 2024 after a surprising 2-0 loss to Switzerland in the opening match of the knockout stage.
Despite entering the match as a favorite, Italy looked like the inferior side for the better part of the match. Switzerland’s team was more composed and determined from the very start, being rewarded for it after Remo Freuler’s goal in the 37th minute.
Many expected the Italians to play with more urgency after the break, but Switzerland beat them to the punch with Ruben Vargas scoring in the first minute of the second half to make it 2-0.
Luciano Spalletti’s team tried to mount a comeback, but a combination of bad luck, poor execution, and Switzerland’s strong defense kept them scoreless until the final whistle.
Speaking after the match, Spalletti took the blame for the defeat.
“I have the responsibility,” Spalletti said. “We failed because of my team selection, it is never down to the players.”
Switzerland will now wait for the winner of the match between England and Slovakia to find out their quarterfinal opponent. The Swiss team also made it to the quarterfinals at EURO 2020 before being eliminated by France.