Switzerland 2-0 Italy: Player ratings for the Azzurri as Freuler and Vargas score apiece to send the holders out | UEFA Euro 2024
Italy crashed out of Euro 2024 following a 2-0 loss to Switzerland in the Round of 16. Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas were the scorers for La Nati, who reached the quarterfinals of the championship for the second time in a row.
The Azzurris, who came second in Group B, were lackluster throughout. Switzerland's fast start had them on the back foot in the first half, while Italy's attack was almost non-existent.
In the 37th minute, Freuler opened the scoring for the Rossocrociati from close range, as Murat Yakin's side deservedly went ahead following a few close calls earlier on. Barely a few seconds into the second half, Vargas doubled their advantage with a spectacular curled effort into the top corner.
Time was running out for Italy to get themselves back into the tie, but the defending champions were just not up to the task today. They finished with just one shot on target.
Italy made their earliest exit from the Euros since their group stage elimination in 2004, whereas Switzerland play either England or Slovakia in the last-8 next week.
Here are the player ratings for Italy:
Gianluigi Donnarumma - 6/10
He was unlucky for the first goal as it bounced off his shin, but had no chance with Switzerland's second.
Giovani Di Lorenzo - 6.5/10
A big menace on the left flank, on and off the ball. But just like many other players around him, Di Lorenzo too came up short on the end product.
Gianluca Mancini - 6/10
His positioning wasn't the best and looked unsettled by Switzerland's frantic play at the start. Mancini jumped in to intercept Freuler's shot, but it flew right between his legs for the goal.
Alessandro Bastoni - 7/10
His excellent vision saw him make seven clearances while displaying his aerial prowess too as Bastoni won three of his five duels.
Matteo Darmian - 8/10
Italy's best player of the game, Darmian was a force in defense, combining his strengths with vision to guard his area with aplomb. He made four clearances and blocked three shots.
Bryan Cristante - 6/10
His passing accuracy was second to none, but Cristante had no answer to Switzerland's fiery brand of football.
Nicolo Fagioli - 7.5/10
The 23-year-old was a bright spark in midfield for Italy, biting at the heels of the Swiss players for the ball and contributing to the attack with inviting crosses.
Nicolo Barella - 5/10
The Inter Milan ace couldn't wave his playmaking magic here as the Swiss brilliantly isolated him on the left.
Federico Chiesa - 7/10
A sizzling fireball of energy, Chiesa asked questions of the Swiss defense with his precocious dribbles and devastating link-up play. However, it seemed all sizzle but no steak at times, as the end product was lacking.
Gianluca Scamacca - 6/10
To be fair, he was devoid of service for most of the time. Both his attempts in the game were off target too.
Stephan El Shaarawy - 4/10
A complete no-show in the opening half; he barely got a sniff of the ball and was left to watch all the action unfold at the other end. Hooked off at the break.
Substitutes
Mattia Zaccagni - 6.5/10
An upgrade on El Shaarawy as Zaccagni added some much-needed flair and urgency to Italy's attack.
Mateo Retegui - 5/10
He made an audacious attempt from the edge of the box after coming into possession, but it was tame and Yann Sommer comfortably collected the ball.
Lorenzo Pellegrini - 5/10
Pellegrini, too, tried his luck from range but shot his effort well over the bar.
Andrea Cambiasso - 5/10
Just a few ordinary passes to keep the ball moving as Italy desperately sought an opening.
Davide Frattesi - N/A
The Inter Milan star didn't get enough time to make an impact.