"We are unable to do more than this right now" - Italy coach Luciano Spalletti reacts to Euro 2024 exit
Italy boss Luciano Spalletti has reacted to his side's disappointing elimination from Euro 2024. The reigning champions were eliminated following a 2-0 to Switzerland on Saturday, June 29. They became the third consecutive European Champions to be knocked out in the Round of 16.
Spalletti took charge of the Azzurri last year and has failed to mount a convincing title defense in Germany. The former Napoli boss has blamed his team's tempo and sharpness for the loss, but that will be little consolation for the fans.
Spalletti said to RAI Sort after the match:
“It’s true that the goal at the start of the second half knocked the confidence out of us. Even if we were in their half, we were not incisive.”
He added:
“What made the difference was the tempo, we were too slow compared to them in the first half. Even in terms of individuals, there was a different tempo of the movements and the duels.
The Azzurri boss concluded:
“Unfortunately, sharpness and tempo makes the difference. Last time I thought perhaps if I gave them time to recover and change a few players, they’d be sharper. At this moment, for too many reasons, we are unable to do more than this right now.”
Italy will look to rebuild and secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their disappointing exit from Euro 2024. Luciano Spaletti will be keen to improve on his side's lackluster showing in Germany in the matches to come.
Italy crash out of Euro 2024 in disappointing fashion
Defending European champions Italy have crashed out of Euro 2024 disappointingly in the Round of 16 following a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland. The Azzurri were second best in most areas of contention and were duly put to the sword by their trans-Alpie neighbors in Berlin.
The Euro 2020 winners had hoped to repeat their heroics at the Olypiastadion in Berlin, where they claimed the 2006 World Cup at France's expense. Sadly, their team did not have what it took to channel the same fortune 18 years later.
A brilliant game from Ruben Vargas was the deciding factor in the match against Italy. The Augsburg star bagged a goal and an assist to put the game to bed.
The first goal came in the 37th minute after Vargas cut in on the left and delivered a cross for Remo Freuler to finish. The Swiss wideman went from provider to scorer early in the second half. Michel Aebischer picked him out unmarked in the Italian box 30 seconds after the restart.
The Swiss will now march on to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024, where they will face either England or Slovakia in Dusseldorf on July 6.