Switzerland Ends Italy's Reign With Stunning 2-0 Victory In Euro 2024

Switzerland secured a spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, ending Italy's title defence with a 2-0 victory in Berlin. Ruben Vargas played a crucial role, scoring one goal and assisting another. Vargas curled a stunning shot from the penalty area corner just 27 seconds into the second half, having earlier set up Remo Freuler for the opening goal.

Italy's performance was lacklustre, barely advancing from Group B with a last-minute equaliser against Croatia. The result leaves Spain as the only team to win consecutive European Championships (2008 and 2012). Luciano Spalletti's first tournament as Azzurri boss ended in disappointment.

From the start, Switzerland dominated the match and should have taken the lead after 24 minutes. Breel Embolo was denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma in a one-on-one situation after receiving Michel Aebischer's lofted pass. However, they eventually broke through after 37 minutes when Freuler volleyed home Vargas' low cross.

Donnarumma kept Italy in the game before halftime by pushing Fabian Rieder's free-kick against the post during stoppage time. Things worsened for Italy right at the start of the second half when Nicolo Fagioli lost possession, allowing Vargas to curl a shot into the top-right corner.

Italy struggled throughout, managing just one shot in the first half—a Federico Chiesa attempt with an expected goals (xG) value of 0.03. This was their lowest first-half effort since a friendly loss to Argentina in March 2018. Despite substituting Stephan El Shaarawy for Mattia Zaccagni at halftime, Italy failed to improve.

The Azzurri nearly got back into the game when Fabian Schar headed Fagioli's cross against his own post. Gianluca Scamacca also hit the woodwork from close range as Italy continued to struggle offensively.

Vargas Shines

Ruben Vargas emerged as Switzerland's star player, becoming the first Swiss player on record to both score and assist in a knockout match at a major tournament since 1966. He is also the seventh different player to score for Switzerland at Euro 2024, marking their highest number of goalscorers at any major tournament.

Having previously eliminated pre-tournament favourites France at Euro 2020 and faced Italy twice in World Cup qualifying, Switzerland showcased their quality once again under Murat Yakin's leadership. The team produced a polished display, with Vargas standing out.

Switzerland will now face either England or Slovakia in their second European Championship quarter-final next Saturday in Dusseldorf. They almost added another goal late on when substitute Steven Zuber sent a low drive across the face of goal and wide.

The Swiss team's victory means Spain remains the only nation to have won back-to-back European Championships. This result highlights Switzerland's growing prowess on the European stage and sets up an exciting quarter-final clash.