Switzerland knocks Italy out of Euro 2024

Italy relinquished their title as European champions after losing to Switzerland 0-2 on Saturday in the round of 16 of the tournament held in Germany.

Switzerland fully deserved to reach the quarter-finals for the second time in a row, after being the better side throughout the match, which they won with two wonderful goals by Remo Freuler (37) and Ruben Vargas (46).

Freuler ended an organized Swiss attack with a left-footed shot that found its way into the net of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Seconds after the start of the second half, Vargas surprised Donnarumma with a perfect shot that found its way into the Italian goal.

As they did in the group stage, Italy, under new coach Luciano Spalletti, seemed unable to keep up with their opponents, making the round of 16 their worst result in the continental finals since their group stage exit in 2004.

Italy suffered their first defeat to Switzerland since 1993, in the World Cup qualifiers held a year later.

Switzerland will meet the winner of Sunday's England-Slovakia quarter-finals, with the ambition of reaching the last four for the first time in their sixth participation.