Switzerland defeats holders Italy to reach Euro 2024 quarterfinals
In a major upset, Switzerland knocked out Euro 2020 champions Italy 2-0 in their last-16 match in Berlin.

Switzerland dumped reigning champions Italy out of Euro 2024 with a stunning 2-0 victory to reach the quarterfinals for the second time in their history.
Murat Yakin’s supremely well-drilled side outplayed the flat two-time winners in the last 16 clash in Berlin on Saturday and will face England or Slovakia in the next round. Goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas either side of halftime were enough for Murat Yakin’s side to book its place in the next round, as a sluggish Italy side which struggled to get a foothold in the game suffered an earlier than planned exit.
Switzerland’s early dominance was eventually rewarded in the 37th minute, as Freuler picked up the ball inside the penalty area from Vargas before his slightly deflected effort towards the near post with Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma unable to keep out.
Swiss supporters didn’t have to wait long after the break for a second goal – only 27 seconds to be exact. Italy’s continued sloppiness on the ball carried over into the second half, immediately giving the ball away from it’s own kickoff. Switzerland worked their way forward before Vargas curled a stunning effort from the edge of the box into the top right corner to leave the Italians reeling.
While Switzerland deservedly advanced, it was an uncharacteristically out-of-sorts performance for Italy, who’s defense of its title ends in the first knockout game of the tournament.
Italy’s defeat means that the reigning champion has been eliminated in the round of 16 at the last three Euros.