Italy midfielder Bryan Cristante conceded Switzerland got the better of Gli Azzurri in every aspect of the game and deservedly progressed into the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Instead of seeking excuses for the Italians’ abysmal showing, the 29-year-old accepted a harsh reality during his post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia.
“There’s not much we can save from this performance. We were dominated physically and in terms of organization,” Cistante said, as quoted by TMW. “It is too early to come to conclusions. We deservedly are sent home. Now it’s time we clear our heads and start again from next season with a different level of determination and energy.“
Cristante was part of the reason Italy flamed out of the round of 16. He and his midfield colleagues Nicolo Barella and Nicolo Fagioli couldn’t cope with Switzerland’s assertive approach in the center of the park. They lost the midfield battle at the Olympiastadion, paving the way for Gli Azzurri’s premature trip home.
Italy needed someone creative and resourceful in the engine room on Saturday, yet Cristante and his teammates struggled to provide the necessary spark. Unable to break through Switzerland’s disciplined and aggressive backline, Luciano Spalletti’s men couldn’t deal with Murat Yakin’s robust set-up.
Spalletti’s wide-ranging changes compared to the team that faced Croatia earlier this week failed to produce the desired effect. Whatever plan Spalletti had, it didn’t work. Italy lacked the sharpness and tempo required to navigate these typically high-octane match-ups.
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