Reigning champion Italy were knocked out of the Euros Championship in the round of 16 Saturday night. Switzerland notched an impressive 2-0 upset to advance to the quarter-finals.
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Italy vs Switzerland
Headed into the game Italy were poised to win, not only were Italy the 2020 Euros winner but Switzerland hadn’t beaten them since 1993. Despite this, Switzerland dominated the entire game, recording better stats across the board. Goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas secured the Swiss victory. Freuler scored in the 37 minute to give Switzerland the lead and just 27 seconds into the second half Vargas added a second tally to the board.
On the other hand, Italy struggled the entire game to find the net, only managing to shoot on target once in the entire game. After two Swiss goals, Italy’s attacking intent increased exponentially but the team was unable to produce any signicant chances on the goal leading to an upsetting loss.
Italy’s Downfall
There were many factors that contributed to the Italian loss, for starters the team’s coach Luciano Spalletti only had 10 games to prepare with the team before the tournament leaving him with an unfamiliar team he struggled to connect with. Spalletti also made six changes to the starting lineup and switched from a 3-man defense in the match against Croatia to a four-man defense. Constant changes lead to confusion among the players, hindering the team’s effectiveness.
Italy also struggled with their players who only produced one shot on target the entire game. The azzurri had a fairly weak defense throughout the game, part of this was due to the absence of Riccardo Calafiori who was suspended for the game against Switzerland for an accumulation of yellow cards as well as Inter’s star fullback Federico Dimarco who had to watch the game from the stands due to injury. Without Calafiori the Italian team were left vulnerable for Switzerland. Other names like Riccardo Orsolini, who had a record season with Bologna scoring 10 goals in 33 appearances, didn’t even make Spaletti’s final squad. Orsolini was just one of many great players cut by Spalletti for the 2024 Euros, however, his speed and tendency to find the net could have been key for Italy this year.
Overall, everyone is disappointed in the play and outcome of this year’s Italian National Team. Despite winning the Euros in 2020, the national team has fallen hard since then, failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (As well as the 2018 World Cup in Russia) and barely qualifying for the Euros this year.
Fans React to Italian Loss
Football fans reacted on social media to discuss one of the worst Italian football performances in history, heavily criticizing the team as well as coach Luciano Spalletti. Disappointment and frustration were clear in the online conversation, with many expressing their disbelief at the team’s performance. Criticism was aimed towards both the players and the coach, with few supporters outlining only a few individuals who met expectations.
One of the most shameful performances from Italy that I’ve seen in my lifetime
— Matteo Bonetti (@Bonetti) June 29, 2024
Complete and utter failure from Spalletti and these players.
Only Donnarumma and Aura save themselves from this circus
What a disaster
Defending champions Italy are 𝐎𝐔𝐓 of Euro 2024 👋 pic.twitter.com/4dFq1CyUX2
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 29, 2024
Italy have played a total of around 360 minutes of football this tournament.
— Italy Focus 🇮🇹 (@theitalyfocus) June 29, 2024
We’ve played well in around 45 of those 360 minutes.
Shameful. pic.twitter.com/rQ6W5WGh86
This is a contender for the worst Italy first half in some time. Utterly appalling.
— Italian Football News 🇮🇹 (@footitalia1) June 29, 2024
How can Italy improve for the 2026 World Cup
Early Sunday the Italian Federation officially confirmed that Spalletti would stay on as head coach at least until after the 2026 World Cup. There are many changes that the Azzurri coach will need to make if he wants to find success, starting with a new striker. Italy struggled throughout the tournament with their center forwards, who only produced one shot on target in four matches. Milan U19’s Francesco Camarda may be a standout option as a fast young player if he is able to develop enough in the next two years.
Another name Spalletti should consider bringing back is Marco Verratti , Verratti was reportedly excluded from the Euros squad for technical reasons but doesn’t seem to lose his football grip. Verratti recorded 2 assists in the 2020 Euro and could bring needed experience to Italy’s squad. Another player to return ahead of the World Cup is Sandro Tonali, who was unable to compete in the Euros this year due to a 9-month suspension. Tonali was charged with misconduct in the FA’s betting rules but he should be all set to join the World Cup Squad once his suspension ends.
Overall, Italy made lots of mistakes in the 2024 Euro and there will be a lot to improve on if they want a chance to compete for the World Cup in 2026.
🚨🇮🇹 Italian Federation has decided to confirm Luciano Spalletti as head coach.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 30, 2024
Spalletti will stay as Italy coach at least until World Cup 2026: “My mission will be to make this squad even younger”. pic.twitter.com/q8zPn3g1Wj
