The Euro 2024 clash between Switzerland and Italy kicked off with immediate intensity. Within the first minute, Switzerland earned a corner, but Italy’s Bryan Cristante successfully thwarted the initial threat. The early exchanges were marked by a series of fouls, with Nicolò Barella of Italy committing the first foul against Granit Xhaka of Switzerland just two minutes in. The game quickly established a physical tone, evident in the numerous free kicks awarded on both sides.
By the fourth minute, Michel Aebischer of Switzerland won a free kick on the left wing following a foul by Giovanni Di Lorenzo. This pattern continued as Matteo Darmian of Italy was fouled by Switzerland’s Dan Ndoye in the sixth minute, followed swiftly by Stephan El Shaarawy committing another foul against Ndoye. The stop-start nature of the early minutes highlighted the teams’ aggressive strategies, each aiming to gain an upper hand.
Switzerland’s Offensive Push
Switzerland began to assert themselves more offensively as the match progressed. In the 12th minute, Dan Ndoye missed a right-footed shot from the right side of the box, a move assisted by Granit Xhaka. Shortly after, in the 13th minute, Rubén Vargas won a free kick on the left wing after another foul by Giovanni Di Lorenzo, demonstrating Switzerland’s persistence in pressing forward. Despite these efforts, Italy managed to repel multiple attempts.
The 24th minute saw a flurry of Swiss attempts, with Breel Embolo’s shot from the center of the box being saved by Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma. Subsequent attempts by Dan Ndoye and Remo Freuler were blocked, showcasing the Swiss determination to break through Italy’s defense. The Italians responded with their offensive moves, including a blocked shot by Federico Chiesa in the 26th minute, but Switzerland’s defense held firm.
Breakthrough and First-Half Conclusion
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Switzerland’s Remo Freuler scored a left-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Rubén Vargas. This goal brought the score to Switzerland 1, Italy 0, a crucial lead that Swiss aimed to protect going into halftime. The remainder of the first half was marked by Italy’s attempts to equalize and Switzerland’s strategic fouls to disrupt Italy’s momentum.
Notably, Italy’s Nicolò Barella was shown a yellow card in the 35th minute for a bad foul, adding to the already tense atmosphere. The Swiss defense remained resilient, highlighted by Fabian Rieder’s long-range shot in added time, which was saved by Donnarumma. The first half concluded with Switzerland leading 1-0, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling second half as Italy sought to recover from their deficit.
Second Half Surge: Switzerland’s Commanding Performance
The second half commenced with Switzerland already in the lead, but it was Rubén Vargas who swiftly doubled their advantage, scoring a stunning goal just a minute in. Assisted by Michel Aebischer, Vargas’s right-footed shot from the left side of the box found the top right corner, leaving Italy’s defense and goalkeeper with no chance. This early strike in the half set the tone for Swiss’s dominant performance, clearly putting Italy on the back foot.
Italy, desperate to respond, immediately sought to regain control and press forward. However, a series of fouls and missed attempts plagued their efforts. Remo Freuler and Matteo Darmian’s fouls disrupted the flow, giving Switzerland opportunities to regroup and maintain their defensive solidity. Federico Chiesa’s attempts at goal were either wide or blocked, epitomizing Italy’s struggles to break through a well-organized Swiss defense.
Tactical Adjustments and Missed Opportunities
By the 64th minute, Italy’s manager opted for fresh legs, bringing on Mateo Retegui to replace Nicolò Barella. Despite the changes, Italy continued to commit fouls, with Gianluca Mancini and Nicolò Fagioli both conceding free kicks. Switzerland, capitalizing on these errors, remained resilient and strategically sound. A substitution by Swiss in the 71st minute saw Leonidas Stergiou and Steven Zuber enter the pitch, further fortifying their lineup.
Italy had a flurry of attempts around the 74th minute, with notable efforts from Retegui, Zaccagni, and Scamacca. Despite coming close, hitting the post, and putting pressure on the Swiss defense, their shots either missed the target or were saved. These missed opportunities highlighted Italy’s lack of clinical finishing, a factor that ultimately cost them dearly in this encounter.
Defensive Masterclass and Final Whistle
As the match progressed towards the final whistle, Swiss made additional substitutions to maintain their defensive stronghold. Vincent Sierro and Kwadwo Duah’s introductions were tactical moves to ensure fresh legs in key positions. Italy, on the other hand, continued to push forward but their efforts were met with solid defensive work from Swiss. Attempts from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Federico Chiesa in the dying minutes were either off-target or saved, encapsulating Italy’s frustrating evening.
Despite Italy’s relentless pursuit, Switzerland held firm, showcasing a defensive masterclass. The Swiss team’s ability to thwart Italy’s attacks and maintain their composure under pressure was commendable. As the referee blew the final whistle, Swiss celebrated a well-deserved 2-0 victory, a result that reflected their strategic prowess and execution on the pitch. This win not only boosts their confidence but also sets a high benchmark for their future performances in Euro 2024.
