As goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas sweep Switzerland to a 2-0 win over Italy as the reigning European champions are eliminated. Switzerland will now face England or Slovakia in the quarter-finals of the competition
Luciano Spalletti had changed six of the Italy starting line-up, searching for something, but there was no sign of it as Switzerland was the better side from the outset. Breel Embolo came close to finding the breakthrough even before Remo Freuler’s opener.
Switzerland had 65 percent of the ball and eight of the first nine attempts at goal before taking a well-earned lead when Ruben Vargas’ center was met by the Nottingham Forest midfielder. He became the sixth different scorer for his side at Euro 2024.
Vargas became the seventh just 27 seconds after the restart. Italy lost possession from their own kick-off and when the ball reached the winger on the edge of the penalty box, he curled beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the top corner.
Italy offered little in response, coming closest to pulling one back only when Fabian Schar headed against his own crossbar. Their reign as champions of Europe is over. Switzerland’s bid will continue against England or Slovakia next weekend in Dusseldorf.