Arrivederci, Italy

Switzerland knocks out defending champion and advances to quarterfinals

- CIARÁN FAHEY

Mateo Retegui looks dejected after a loss to Switzerland on Saturday in Berlin ended Italy's hopes of defending its European Championship title.

BERLIN Defending champion Italy crashed out of the European Championship after losing to Switzerland 2-0 in the round of 16 Saturday.

Goals in each half from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas gave the Swiss their first win over their southern neighbour in 31 years and set up a quarterfinal against England or Slovakia in Düsseldorf on July 6.

Italy’s elimination means the titleholder has gone out in the last 16 for the third successive Euro. following Portugal in 2021 and Spain in 2016.

Switzerland hadn’t beaten Italy since 1993, and notched only its ninth win against the Azzurri in 62 attempts.

“We showed from the first second that we really wanted to win this game. The spirit is incredible,” Switzerland midfielder Fabian Riedler said. “Everyone is happy. Everyone runs for the other one.”

His team dominated in terms of possession, shots, attacks and passes.