The reigning champion Italy is out of the European Championship in football.
The journey ended already in the round of 16 against Switzerland, who surprisingly won with 2–0.
We knew that we needed a perfect day, and we had it, says Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka in SVT.
It was a round of 16 match where Switzerland took control of the game directly, while Italy had major problems getting their game going. The Swiss not only controlled the game, but also created several scoring opportunities.
With over 20 minutes played, it was only a fine save by Gianluigi Donnarumma that prevented Switzerland from taking the lead.
Instead, it wasn't until the 37th minute that Remo Freuler could score the 1–0 goal for Switzerland after a pattern attack.
Directly after the halftime break, it was time again. The 2–0 goal for Switzerland was signed by Ruben Vargas, who fired in a cannon shot with just over half a minute played of the second half.
We knew that we needed a perfect day and we had a perfect day, says Granit Xhaka in SVT.
Italy was close to a reduction just minutes later through a free kick that Switzerland defender Fabian Schär almost headed into his own goal – but the ball hit the post.
No goals were scored for the reigning European champion, who is thus eliminated from the European Championship.
For Switzerland, the winner between England and Slovakia awaits in the quarterfinals. That round of 16 match will be played on Sunday.
I'm so proud to be part of this team. We're not done here, the next match will be just as tough, but we have the qualities to win against anyone, says Xhaka.
