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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

Michael Jones
Saturday 29 June 2024 14:48 EDT
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Anthony Gordon sports cuts to face after bicycle accident at Euro 2024

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.

Out-thought and outplayed: How insipid Italy tumbled out of Euro 2024

Arrivederci to the Azzurri, campione d’Europa no more. At the ground where they won their fourth World Cup, Italy’s defence of their European crown came to a premature, timid end.

Marcello Lippi’s team assured themselves of immortality in Berlin 18 years ago; Luciano Spalletti’s side got only ignominy. They were dismal in defeat.

Out-thought and outplayed: How insipid Italy tumbled out of Euro 2024

Switzerland 2-0 Italy: Goals by Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas were the least the Swiss deserved in a comprehensive victory over the reigning European champions

Mike Jones29 June 2024 19:48

Germany v Denmark LIVE: Line-ups and team news as hosts chase place in Euro 2024 quarter-finals

Switzerland become the first team into the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Next up Germany take on Denmark to see who will join them there.

Germany are perhaps favourites for this one but Denmark will be tough to beat and this could be a close contest. You can follow the build-up and action from that game right here:

Germany v Denmark LIVE: Line-ups and team news from Euro 2024 last-16 tie

The tournament hosts will look for a convincing win against an underwhelming Denmark side

Mike Jones29 June 2024 19:25

FT Switzerland 2-0 Italy

Switzerland midfielder, Fabian Rieder said: “The feeling is great because we showed a really good performance. We showed from the first second that we really wanted to win this game.

“The spirit is incredible; everyone is happy, everyone runs for the other one, and I think we showed that on the pitch.”

Mike Jones29 June 2024 19:20

FT Switzerland 2-0 Italy

(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
Mike Jones29 June 2024 19:20

FT Switzerland 2-0 Italy

More from Micah Richards who said: “It was almost like the Italian’s today were doing there own jobs and there was no cohesion between them. No one knew when to drop, when to step up and when to pass the ball.”

Alan Shearer added: “I was really shocked at how bad Italy were, they offered nothing in any position and got ran ragged the whole game. I mean, Switzerland toyed with them.”

Mike Jones29 June 2024 19:14

FT Switzerland 2-0 Italy

Micah Richards assessing Italy’s performance: “They were missing some key players. Riccardo Calafiori has been outstanding and one of the key players of the tournament.

“I thought Dimarco’s left foot down that left-hand side was a miss.”

Mike Jones29 June 2024 19:10

FT Switzerland 2-0 Italy

“Switzerland will be a big problem for England, if they get through the quarter-finals.” Said Rio Ferdinand after watching that performance from the Swiss.

Gareth Southgate will be feeling lucky though. Slovakia and Switzerland are the teams to beat for his team to reach the semi-finals.

Mike Jones29 June 2024 19:04

FT Switzerland 2-0 Italy

Alan Shearer speaking on BBC One: “Miles better. Switzerland totally dominated that game, they were absolutely fantastic. They looked really fit and scored two fantastic goals, they deserved their quarter-final spot.”

Mike Jones29 June 2024 19:03

FT Switzerland 2-0 Italy

Switzerland are now through to the quarter-finals and will potentially face England. Gareth Southgate’s men take on Slovakia in their last-16 tie tomorrow and the winner of that one with take on the impressive Swiss side.

Mike Jones29 June 2024 18:55

Full-time! Switzerland 2-0 Italy

90+2 mins: There goes the whistle!

The reigning champions have been knocked out of Euro 2024 at the first knockout hurdle. A cool, composed and clinical performance from Switzerland was more than enough to get past an underpar Italy.

The Swiss look like potential dark horses in this tournament and have proven it today. For just the second time in their history Switzerland reach the last eight.

Mike Jones29 June 2024 18:53

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