Switzerland send title holders Italy crashing out of Euro 2024

Switzerland dumped title holders Italy out of Euro 2024 with a stunning 2-0 victory on Saturday to reach the quarter-finals for just the second time.

Murat Yakin's well-drilled side outplayed the two-time winners in the last 16 clash in Berlin and will face England or Slovakia in the next round.

Ruben Vargas teed up Remo Freuler for Switzerland's 37th minute opener before curling home superbly himself right at the start of the second half to double their lead.

A new-look Italy, short on star power and without many of the key figures that led them to Euro 2020 glory, offered little in response to Switzerland's energetic display.

"It hurts, it really hurts," said Italy's captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

"We can only say sorry to everyone, we were disappointing today and they deserved to win. We struggled all game long."

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, arriving at the Euros after a stunning season with Bayer Leverkusen, led the way as the Swiss rarely looked without control.

"I'm at a loss for words, it was the most important game of my career," said Swiss midfielder Fabian Rieder.

"Everyone played for each other, we worked well in defence and attack... we have an incredibly great team.

"We want to enjoy the moment now but keep working hard for the next game."

Stunner from Vargas but Switzerland’s passing and movement made it look so easy against Italy.#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/LKAhPSyXOs

Though the Swiss defended well, the Italians made their job easier by giving the ball away cheaply in central positions and failing to press with any conviction.

After a slow start on a sweltering evening in Berlin, Switzerland should have taken the lead in the 24th minute when Breel Embolo was played in, but his