The Switzerland-Italy match at UEFA Euro 2024 provided fans with an intense showdown, as Switzerland emerged victorious with a commanding 2-0 win over the defending champions in the Round of 16. This clash revealed key insights into both teams’ performances, highlighting tactical strengths, individual brilliance, and areas for improvement.
Key Match Statistics
Possession and Passing Efficiency
Switzerland dominated possession, completing 94% of their passes, with midfield maestro Granit Xhaka leading the charge. He completed 94 of 98 passes (95.9%), including a stunning 97.3% accuracy in the final third, showcasing his critical role in dictating play. Italy, in contrast, struggled to establish rhythm, completing fewer forward passes and creating minimal attacking threats
Shots and Goal Conversion
Switzerland registered 10 total attempts, with three on target, converting two into goals. Ruben Vargas and Remo Freuler were the Swiss heroes, combining for an assist and a clinical strike each. Meanwhile, Italy managed only one shot on target out of a single attempt, underscoring their lack of attacking efficacy
Defensive Performances
The Swiss backline, anchored by Manuel Akanji, effectively nullified Italy’s attacking threats. Italy’s struggles were compounded by their inability to penetrate Switzerland’s compact defensive setup. Switzerland secured their first clean sheet in a major tournament since 2016
Expected Goals (xG)
Switzerland’s xG stood at 0.98 compared to Italy’s paltry 0.05. This statistic underlines Switzerland’s ability to create high-quality chances while limiting Italy’s offensive opportunities.
Tactical Analysis
Switzerland’s Tactical Brilliance
Switzerland employed a dynamic 4-3-3 formation, allowing fluid transitions between defense and attack. Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler controlled the midfield, providing a steady supply of opportunities for attackers like Vargas and Michel Aebischer. Switzerland’s high pressing forced Italy into errors, further tipping the scales in their favor.
Italy’s Struggles
Italy’s reliance on defensive solidity, a hallmark of their “Catenaccio” system, faltered against Switzerland’s relentless attack. Despite Gianluigi Donnarumma’s efforts, including a crucial first-half save, Italy lacked offensive firepower. Their only shot on target came in the 73rd minute, highlighting their inability to break through the Swiss defense.
Individual Performances
Granit Xhaka (Switzerland)
Xhaka delivered a masterclass performance, completing 101 touches, winning 100% of aerial duels, and contributing significantly to both defense and attack. His leadership and precision passing were pivotal in Switzerland’s victory.
Ruben Vargas (Switzerland)
Vargas made history as the first Swiss player to score and assist in a knockout stage match of a major tournament. His opening goal shortly after halftime was a defining moment, doubling Switzerland’s lead and demoralizing the Italian defense.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)
Despite the loss, Donnarumma showcased moments of brilliance, including a key save from a Fabian Rieder free-kick. However, his efforts were not enough to compensate for Italy’s lackluster overall performance.
Historical Context and Records
Switzerland advanced to the Euro quarterfinals for the second consecutive time, demonstrating their growing consistency on the big stage.
Italy’s loss marked their first defeat in a knockout round at the Euros since the 2012 final against Spain. Additionally, this was the first time they failed to reach the quarterfinals in back-to-back tournaments since 2004
FAQs
How did the match between Switzerland and Italy end in Euro 2024?
Switzerland defeated Italy 2-0 in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024, marking a significant upset against the defending champions. Goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas secured the win for Switzerland. The result was a testament to Switzerland’s tactical preparation and Italy’s inability to replicate their championship-winning form from Euro 2020.
What were the key match statistics?
The match highlighted Switzerland’s dominance:
Possession: Switzerland controlled 58% of the ball.
Shots: Switzerland had 10 attempts, three on target, compared to Italy’s one attempt and zero shots on target.
Pass Accuracy: Switzerland boasted 94% passing accuracy, showcasing their efficient midfield play, while Italy struggled with 85% accuracy.
Expected Goals (xG): Switzerland recorded an xG of 0.98, emphasizing their high-quality chances, while Italy’s xG was a meager 0.05, reflecting their lack of offensive output.
Who were the standout players in the match?
Granit Xhaka (Switzerland): Xhaka was instrumental, completing 94 of 98 passes, winning all aerial duels, and making 16 entries into the final third. His composure and vision were pivotal in Switzerland’s victory.
Ruben Vargas (Switzerland): Vargas scored and assisted, becoming the first Swiss player to achieve this in a Euro knockout match.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy): Despite the loss, Donnarumma made crucial saves, preventing a larger margin of defeat.
How did Switzerland’s tactics outshine Italy?
Switzerland utilized a dynamic 4-3-3 formation, focusing on high pressing and quick transitions. They capitalized on Italy’s defensive errors and maintained a compact defensive structure, limiting Italy’s attacking options. Their midfield trio, led by Xhaka, controlled the tempo, providing consistent supply to the forwards.
Italy, on the other hand, failed to adapt. Their overreliance on wide plays and lack of central creativity hindered their ability to penetrate Switzerland’s defense. The absence of effective tactical adjustments from their manager further compounded their struggles
What records were set or broken in this match?
Italy suffered their first knockout-round defeat at the Euros since 2012.
This marked the first time Italy lost two matches in a single Euro tournament.
Switzerland achieved their second consecutive quarterfinal appearance, signaling their consistent growth on the international stage.
In Summary
The Switzerland vs. Italy match at Euro 2024 was a riveting encounter that showcased the evolving dynamics of international football. Switzerland’s clinical execution and tactical brilliance overshadowed Italy’s historical dominance, resulting in a historic victory. With standout performances from players like Granit Xhaka and Ruben Vargas, Switzerland has solidified its status as a rising force in European football.
Italy’s loss, however, serves as a wake-up call for the Azzurri. A lack of creativity and reliance on past glory highlighted the need for transformation and innovation. As both teams move forward, this match will be remembered as a turning point, not just in their rivalry but also in their respective footballing journeys.
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