Holders Italy were knocked out of Euro 2024 as Luciano Spalletti's team suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss to Switzerland in their last-16 showdown in Berlin.
Just three years after claiming the championship at Wembley, the reigning champions appeared a far cry from the squad that triumphed in 2021 and were convincingly defeated by Switzerland, who secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the European Championship for only the second time in their history.
Goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas in each half sealed the win for Switzerland, capitalizing on Italy's lackluster performance to book a spot in the next round, where they will face either England or Slovakia.
In the early stages, Switzerland controlled possession and pinned Italy back, but it wasn't until halfway through the first half that a clear scoring opportunity arose. Breel Embolo made a well-timed run to receive Fabian Rieder's pass over the top. Despite a good attempt to curl the ball into the far post, his shot was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The opening goal came in the 37th minute when Vargas found Freuler in the box, who deftly controlled the ball before firing a shot that deflected off Gianluca Mancini and into the net.
Rieder's powerful free-kick just before half-time forced a diving save from Donnarumma, who pushed the ball onto the post and out of danger.
Italy struggled to respond and quickly found themselves trailing further as Vargas unleashed a superb strike from the edge of the box just 27 seconds into the second half, leaving Donnarumma with no chance.
Despite a close call where a Swiss defender hit their own post, Italy failed to make a significant impact, with Gianluca Scamacca hitting the woodwork from close range in one of their few attacking opportunities. Ultimately, the holders bowed out of the competition as Switzerland continued their impressive run.