Switzerland vs Italy: Euro 2024 - LIVE!
The real competition starts at Euro 2024 as the elimination rounds kick off with a match between Switzerland and Italy in the last 16. Following a two-day break, the games resume in Germany, with Italy aiming to defend their title and stay in the running for back-to-back wins.
Switzerland has performed well up to this point and came close to finishing at the top of Group A. Unfortunately, they allowed a late equalizer against Germany. Despite this setback, they have not lost any games in the tournament and are aiming to replicate their success at Euro 2020, where they made it to the quarter-finals for the first time.
Italy started their Group B journey with a close victory against Albania, but suffered a loss to Spain, putting their chances of qualifying in doubt. They managed to secure a last-minute draw with Croatia to advance to the last-16. A win in the upcoming match could mean a rematch of the previous Euros final, with England possibly facing the winner in the quarter-finals. Stay updated on all the excitement with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog!
Switzerland and Italy: what's new?
Switzerland In The Lead
Italy's defensive strategy in the first half was to drop deep and not put pressure on the ball. This was a recurring pattern throughout the game.
Switzerland scored a goal that seemed like it was bound to happen, and it was not unexpected when it finally happened. There was an impressive play from the midfield that left Donnarumma unable to stop it.
Switzerland Beats Italy 1-0
Switzerland has been fantastic in this match, and they have earned the lead they now hold. Freuler scored the goal.
Italy has not shown much in this game. They need to change things up significantly in the second half or they will be eliminated.
At the 45th minute plus one, Reider takes a free-kick close to the near post from a difficult angle. Donnarumma has to quickly move to block it.
He managed to touch the ball with his fingers, pushing it against the goalpost. It was barely prevented from going in.
45 minutes into the game, Schar aggressively moves forward but is met with a frustrated challenge from El Shaarawy. The referee deems it to be a high challenge and gives Schar a yellow card.
Three additional minutes were added to the game. Italy is in need of a break at half-time.
After 44 minutes, Di Lorenzo has returned to the game, so we'll focus on him.
Switzerland still appear to be the dominant team, confidently controlling the ball, while Italy remains passive.
42 minutes into the game, Di Lorenzo loses his balance, falls down, and the ball goes past him, resulting in a throw-in for Switzerland.
Funny moments, he falls and doesn't get up right away. Can't tell if it's because he's embarrassed or in pain.
39 minutes have passed, and Italy must adjust their strategies at this point.
Have been uninvolved for much of the first half. Need to figure out a way to take control of the game.
Switzerland Scores First Against Italy
Freuler made an impressive sprint into the penalty area, quickly controlling the pass with one touch before unleashing a powerful shot into the bottom corner of the goal. The ball took a slight deflection on its way in, but the goal was credited to Freuler for his skillful play.
After 35 minutes, Italy is playing at a slower pace, focusing on passing the ball around calmly to regain control of the game.
However, they were unable to hold onto the lead and Switzerland took advantage, with Barella receiving a yellow card for fouling Rieder.
With 32 minutes played, Italy is feeling the pressure as they are continuously pushed back into their own defensive area.
That is, until Rodriguez decides to handle the situation himself, taking a shot from 30 yards away. It goes flying over the bar.
