Defending champions Italy were knocked out of the European Championship with a 0-2 loss to Switzerland in the round of 16 on Saturday.
Goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas in the first and second halves gave Switzerland their first win over their southern neighbors in 31 years and set them up for a quarter-final against either England or Slovakia in Düsseldorf on 6 July.
Switzerland were dominant in terms of possession, shots, attacks and passing.
By the time Italy hit back in the second half, Switzerland’s aggressive defense was able to handle it as coach Murat Yakin’s game plan played out perfectly.
Prowler broke the deadlock in the 37th minute of the first half by connecting Vargas’ cross with his first touch and scoring with his next touch.
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who had previously saved a shot from Breel Embolo in a one-on-one situation, had a Fabian Riedler free-kick fly over the bar before the break.
But as soon as the second half began, Vargas curled a shot from the top right corner of the penalty area.
The Associated Press reported.
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