Despite possessing a talented squad with players from the Champions League and Europa League, Italy's tactical decisions and execution were heavily criticized, leading to their early exit.
Italy's defense crumbled under Switzerland's attacks, and Vargas' strike added insult to injury. In the first knockout match of the Euro Cup, a major upset occurred as defending champions Italy lost 2-0 to Switzerland, failing to advance to the quarterfinals. If not for Donnarumma's saves, the Swiss could have delivered an even more humiliating defeat, prompting many to declare this the worst Italy in history.
A Lackluster Group Stage Performance
Italy's troubles were evident from the start of the tournament. Despite scoring the fastest goal in Euro Cup history against Albania, their only commendable 70 minutes were in that match. After reversing the score to 2-1, Italy played uninspiring football, starkly contrasting with the attractive style they displayed in the last Euro Cup.
The match against Spain epitomized Italy's decline. Facing Spain's young talents, Italy struggled to even cross the midfield. Although they seemingly lost narrowly due to an own goal by Calafiori, the truth was Donnarumma made eight saves, reminiscent of Toldo's heroics. A great goalkeeper saved half the team, preventing a disaster.
Tactical Blunders and a Lethargic Performance Against Switzerland
Against Croatia, needing only a draw to advance, Italy predictably conceded first. Despite showing some desire to win, it was Zaccagni's last-second goal that secured their place in the knockout stage. Without this golden goal, Italy might not have made it past the group stage.
Throughout the group stage, Italy's performances were underwhelming, leading to lowered expectations. Losing to Switzerland was not a true upset but rather a continuation of their downward spiral. Spalletti's bizarre lineup changes, such as starting El Shaarawy and relying on Fagioli, set the stage for a disastrous match.
In the first half against Switzerland, Italy looked nothing like defending champions, resembling lower-tier teams instead. Switzerland's attacks made Italy's defense look shaky, and Donnarumma's goalkeeping could only delay the inevitable. Freuler's 37th-minute goal and Vargas' strike just before halftime made it 2-0.
In the first 45 minutes, the shot count was 10 to 1 in favor of Switzerland, with Italy's lone attempt off target. After going 2-0 down, Italy continued to play lethargically, lacking the courage to fight back. This performance reminded many of their World Cup qualifying loss to Sweden, with Spalletti looking as clueless as Ventura, lacking tactics and style.
Spalletti's Accountability and Italy's Future
"I am responsible for what happened, as I chose this team. This is part of understanding the players. I am not satisfied with our performance tonight, nor against Spain, and only partially with the other two matches," Spalletti said post-match. His decision to use a four-man defense despite having a squad suited for three at the back suppressed the team's potential, making him accountable.
Since the 2016 Euro Cup, Italy has struggled to produce stars, but this does not mean they lack good players. In 2021, Mancini led a "team of civilians" to Euro Cup glory, showcasing Italy's potential. However, Spalletti's near self-destructive tactics made an already thin squad even more fragile, causing frustration and anger.
Italy, with a squad valued at 700 million euros, including Champions League and Europa League finalists, should have performed better. Despite a weak attack, their midfield and defense should not have collapsed so easily. This talented group of players ended up being remembered for their historic failure.
With Italy exiting at the Round of 16, no defending champion has reached the quarterfinals since the Euro Cup expanded to 24 teams. Besides their last Euro Cup win, Italy has missed the past two World Cups and failed again this year. For Italian fans, this was a painful night, while Switzerland deserved all the applause. From drawing with Germany to defeating Italy, this strong and resilient team earned their spot in the quarterfinals.
In 2006, Italy lifted the World Cup in Berlin, the last time they stood atop the world. In 2024, also in Berlin, their glory faded into history. This historical contrast is filled with sadness. When will Italy's decline end, and when will they truly rise again?
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