Italy performed below every expectation in their Euro 2024 last-16 tie against Switzerland as their hopes of defending the title ended on Saturday. Murat Yakin’s side lived up to their tag as ‘giant slayers,’ pulling off a well-deserved 2-0 victory against out-of-sorts Gli Azzurri.
Switzerland had Italy on the back foot from the get-go but had to wait until the 37th minute to break the deadlock. Bologna midfielder Remo Freuler found a pocket of space inside the box after receiving a lofted pass from Ruben Vargas and beat Gianluigi Donnarumma to the near post.
Vargas went from provider to scorer at the start of the second half. The Augsburg forward netted a stunning goal into the top corner from the edge of the box to double the Swiss’ lead. His goal was the beginning of the end for Italy.
Despite assuming control of possession, it was too late for Luciano Spalletti’s team. Seemingly out of steam and ideas, Italy mustered just one shot on target at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. The Italians looked clueless in the front third and couldn’t find a way past Yann Sommer.
It was a disastrous performance from the reigning holders as we look at the player ratings.
Italy (4-3-3)
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6.5
Though there’s an argument he could’ve done better to stop Freuler’s shot, he was superb between the sticks, making a spectacular save to thwart Breel Embolo in a one-on-one beforehand.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 5.5
The Napoli captain’s scandalous performance was barely surprising, considering the tournament he was having.
Gianluca Mancini – 5
Swooped in for Riccardo Calafiori, the Roma stalwart seemed rusty as he let Freuler slip his mark for Switzerland’s opener.
Alessandro Bastoni – 6.5
Despite faring far better than his Serie A colleague, the Inter defender’s effort proved insufficient to keep Yakin’s side at bay.
Matteo Darmian – 5
Federico Dimarco’s absence came back to haunt Italy. Significantly slower than Dan Ndoye, Darmian had a nightmarish game. Invisible in attack, as always!
Bryan Cristante – 5
His notorious lack of creativity came to the fore when Italy needed a spark to find a gap in Switzerland’s defense. Spalletti should’ve taken him off sooner.
Nicolo Barella – 5.5
Arguably his weakest match at the tournament. He was supposed to be Italy’s driving force in the middle of the park, but Gli Azzurri’s apathy sucked him in.
Nicolo Fagioli – 5
A lengthy spell on the sidelines took its toll as the Juventus youngster looked up the creek without a paddle. His passes were erratic, as was his decision-making.
Stephan El Shaarawy – 4
Spalletti’s strange decision to hand the Roma winger his first Euro 2024 start proved an utter disaster. It’s hard to remember any meaningful moment featuring the Pharaoh.
Federico Chiesa – 7
Despite his struggles at club level, the pacey winger was the only Italy player with the ambition and quality to compete with Switzerland. It’s a shame, he didn’t have support.
Gianluca Scamacca – 3
Disappointment! The Atalanta striker can’t forget Saturday’s showing soon enough.
Substitutes
Mattia Zaccagni – 5.5
Mateo Retegui – 5
Andrea Cambiasso – 5.5
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 5
Davide Frattesi – N/A
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