In a commanding performance at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Switzerland secured a 2-0 victory over Italy in the Round of 16 of EURO 2024. Goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas ensured Switzerland’s progression to the quarter-finals, where they will face either England or Slovakia. Switzerland’s goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, who had a relatively undemanding game, shared his thoughts on the victory and Italy’s current situation after the match.
“We played excellently against a top team,” Sommer remarked. “Our aggression and quality with the ball made it very challenging for Italy to come back into the game.” He emphasized Switzerland’s strong performance and expressed optimism for their chances in the next round if they maintain this level of play.
Sommer’s Reassurance to Italian Fans
Following the match, Sommer addressed the Italian journalists, who were understandably disheartened by their team’s early elimination. He tried to offer reassurance and a positive perspective. “It is very positive for us, we played well against a great team and I am very happy,” said Sommer. “Our performance was excellent, so it was very difficult for Italy to get back into the game today because we were very aggressive and had quality on the ball.”
Sommer stressed that Italy’s defeat should not be viewed as a sign of deeper problems within their football system. “Italy are a great team,” he reiterated. “I know Serie A well and there is a lot of quality in this squad.”
The State of Italian Football
Despite Italy’s recent struggles, including their failure to qualify for the last two World Cups and this early exit from the Euros, Sommer dismissed the notion that Italian football is in crisis. He pointed out that these setbacks are interspersed with their EURO 2020 triumph, indicating the potential for high performance still exists within the team.
“Calcio is not in crisis,” Sommer affirmed. “Italy remains a formidable team with significant talent. This defeat does not reflect the overall quality of Italian football.” His comments highlight his belief that Italy’s current challenges are temporary and do not undermine their footballing prowess.
