The reigning EURO champions, Italy, were knocked out of the round of 16 after losing 0-2 to Switzerland. This result was surprising given the status and reputation of the two teams, but it accurately reflected the events on the pitch.
After the match, goalkeeper Donnarumma - the best player of EURO 2020 said: "The match was terrible, we were completely overwhelmed. It is difficult for us to find excuses for this performance. In the first half, Switzerland had complete control of the ball and could have scored at any time. Overall, we completely deserved the defeat."
Meanwhile, Italy coach Luciano Spalletti said he would take responsibility for his team's result. According to him, the second goal conceded early in the second half caused his team to collapse. Italy did not show the memorable image of the defending champions.
“We tried a few things in this match, but I realised that we had to change a few things. It was not as embarrassing a result as people thought. Italy had come through a difficult group. But we did not show that we are a team with character, consistency and rhythm. And that is what we have learned from this experience at EURO 2024,” he said.
As for Switzerland, they will meet the winner of the England-Slovakia match in the quarter-finals. Coach Murat Yakin stressed that he and his players will enjoy the victory over Italy before thinking about the next opponent.
“We are strong and we showed it,” he said. “We deservedly beat a great national team and we are very proud. But we have to keep our feet on the ground and remain humble.”
Some notable statistics after the match Switzerland 2-0 Italy
- Switzerland's seven goals at EURO 2024 were all scored by different players. Freuler is now the oldest player to score for Switzerland at EURO at 32 years and 75 days - breaking Mario Gavranovic's record of 31 years and 216 days at EURO 2020.
- Switzerland had failed to win in 11 matches against Italy before this year's quarter-final (D6 L5). They had previously beaten Italy 1-0 in World Cup qualifying in 1993.
- This is the first time Italy have conceded more than one goal in a World Cup or EURO final since they lost 0-4 to Spain in the EURO 2012 final.
- Switzerland have reached the quarter-finals of EURO for the second time in a row after EURO 2020. They have lost just one of their last 18 international matches (W8 D9).
- Italy have failed to reach the quarter-finals of a EURO for the first time since 2004. The defending champions have been eliminated in the round of 16 at the last three EUROs (Portugal at EURO 2020 and Spain at EURO 2016).
Source: https://laodong.vn/the-thao/thu-mon-donnarumma-tuyen-italy-da-choi-qua-te-1359648.ldo
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