Switzerland v Italy LIVE: Final score and result as Ruben Vargas goal knocks champions out of Euro 2024
Switzerland 2-0 Italy: Goals from Freuler and Vargas ensure Italy’s title defence ends in the first knockout round
Italy, the reigning European champions, are out of Euro 2024 after a shockingly poor performance saw them beaten 2-0 by Switzerland in Berlin.
From the start the Swiss dominated. They controlled possession, pressed high and turned the ball over inside Italy’s half regularly. However, there seemed to be a missing ingredient for them as it took 24 minutes for Breel Embolo to draw the first save out of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Yet when the deadlock was broken, Remo Freuler making a run from deep to collect the ball and smoke it past the goalkeeper from inside the box, Switzerland never looked back.
Ruben Vargas added an all important second goal just 27 seconds into the second half with a curling screamer and when Granit Xhaka leading from the middle of the pitch they stopped Italy from gaining a foothold to mount a response.
Relive the latest action from Switzerland vs Italy below.
Switzerland 2-0 Italy
61 mins: Fagioli looks to thread a pass through the middle up to Scamacca who is bullied away from the ball by Akanji.
The Man City defender physically knocks the forward away, takes over possession and passes to left to allow Switzerland to work the ball out from the back.
Switzerland 2-0 Italy
58 mins: There are some glum faces on the Italian bench as this match goes on. Switzerland have been good. They’ve kept to their plan, took their chances and played with confidence.
Italy are chasing the game and making no headway.
Switzerland 2-0 Italy
55 mins: A free kick from Schar gets pumped long over to the opposite wing where Vargas brings the ball under control. He looks to dribble into the box but gets tackled and loses possession.
Despite their lead Switzerland are still putting pressure on the Italians.
Switzerland 2-0 Italy
52 mins: Granit Xhaka will marshall Switzerland to the full time whistle. He’s the captain and the central figure in midfield.
A notable factor in this scoreline has been Switzerland’s desire to press high, they’ve done it well and have kept Italy pinned in their own half.
Post! Out of knowhere, Fragioli attempts to chip the defence but Fabian Schar is there to nod the ball. He turns it towards his own goal and watches as the ball drops onto the far post!
Switzerland 2-0 Italy
49 mins: It took Switzerland just 27 seconds to score from the second half kick off. Italy have a mountain to climb now and there could be plenty more goals coming in this match.
GOAL! Switzerland 2-0 Italy (Vargas, 46’)⚽️
46 mins: Stunner!
Italy give the ball away and Switzerland bring it down the left wing. A small pass takes it to the feet of Ruben Vargas who shifts it to the right and whips a fine effort into the far top corner.
Switzerland have their cushion now.
Second half! Switzerland 1-0 Italy
Italy make a change at the break with Luciano Spalletti bringing on Mattia Zaccagni to replace Stephan El Shaarawy.
HT Switzerland 1-0 Italy
With five, Switzerland have scored more first half goals at Euro 2024 than any other team in the competition.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments