Switzerland erases history: it eliminates Italy in a great match and leaves the European Championship without its reigning champion

Before the match between Italy and Switzerland, the temptation to predict the outcome of the match by referring to history diminished the enthusiasm a little. Going back the calendar referred to two of the most rigid defensive schools that football has known in its entire history: catenaccio of the peninsula and bolt that the Swiss have patented . This, added to the tension involved in a knockout duel, like the one that began the round of 16 of the European Cup, foreshadowed a tense match, with few spaces and more well-controlled attacks. The individual quality of the protagonists at least gave hope for a break in the initial projects of Luciano Spaletti and Murat Yakin. .

However, this prejudice was immediately put aside because the match seen in Berlin, which ended up giving the ranking to the Helvetians after a 2-0 absolutely deserved given the progress of a match which only allowed a few winks flew very high.

The Swiss started the duel aggressively and before the minute they scored their first corner. The apparent plan was to position themselves as far forward as possible on the pitch. . The Alpines, apparently, were comfortable with the idea of ​​placing themselves in a rival camp. As a result, initially the center azure Bastoni and Mancini had much more work than expected for the start. The Reds, especially in midfield, put in a good performance, with Xhaka as the engine. Winning the conflict in this area is usually vital. The proposal was even sufficient to the “Chilean” Ricardo Rodriguez take advantage of his qualities to go on the attack . Italy, on the other hand, had no space or options to advance. Worse still: he didn’t have the ball either.

If precision in measuring time characterizes the Helvetii, this time it served to mark the Italians, who from the 15th minute began to gain importance and to approach the rival peloton more frequently. Of course, you expose yourself to negative reactions. The game was starting to be fun. Especially since Emolo, in the 24th minute, forced Donnarumma into a notable cover to prevent the opening of the account. Of course, with somewhat predictable execution of the attacker . Switzerland has become emboldened again. In the other area, Italy responded to its historical specialty: incisive and high-risk counterattacks. Chiesa, in fact, launched a dangerous attack against Sommer’s goal .

In these comings and goings, Switzerland’s more important role was rewarded. In the 36th minute, an elaborate attack allowed a succession of quiet touches which allowed Freuler to enter the box head-on, which is unusual given the constant Italian defensive rigor. . A faulty control and a bounce preceded the ball ending up in the back of the net.

Switzerland took the lead and made history again. At the end of the first half, Donnarumma once again stood out to prevent his goal from falling, after a free kick from Rieder. The domination was once again evident. At half-time, the reds had a deserved lead.

If the first half had already been high-flying for the Swiss, the start of the second was even better. Not even a minute had passed (32 seconds, strictly speaking) and Ruben Vargas hit a big missile. An inaccessible forehand and 2-0 for the Swiss . Spaletti’s plan to rearrange the pieces suffered a terrible incident. The defending champion began to see the exit door more closely .

Italy reacted. Or at least he didn’t give up. In the 51st minute, a Swiss defensive discord ended with the ball hitting one of the posts of Sommer’s goal. . A call for attention on the one hand and a stimulus for the blue team, which moved the lines forward. The historic Swiss lock was then the solution.

However, the evolution of the game meant that it was ultimately a reflection. The following minutes showed once again a beaten and confused Italian team, even if Scamacca, with a shot in the right vertical, showed that it still showed signs of life. Italy said goodbye and intended to take away the crown, at least with dignity. Switzerland held first, Rodriguez erasing everything that came. And then he celebrated. He had presented arguments to justify his dream.