Football

Italy's Euro 2024 campaign ended in a humiliating fashion as they were eliminated in the last 16 by Switzerland. The four-time world champions and reigning European champions were outplayed by the Swiss in Berlin, losing 1-0.The defeat was the latest in a series of disappointing results for Italy, who have now failed to qualify for the last two World Cups. It also raised questions about the future of manager Luciano Spalletti, who has been in charge for less than a year.Italy were second best for much of the match against Switzerland. They were pinned back in their own half for long periods and struggled to create any clear-cut chances.Ruben Vargas scored the only goal of the game just seconds after half-time. The Swiss forward took advantage of some poor defending from Italy to fire home from close range.Italy never really recovered from that setback. They continued to struggle to create chances and were unable to find a way back into the game.The defeat was a major disappointment for Italy, who had been hoping to defend their European title. It also raised concerns about the team's future.Spalletti has come under fire for his team's poor performances. He has been accused of being too negative and of not getting the best out of his players.The Italian media are already calling for Spalletti to be sacked. It remains to be seen whether he will be given the chance to turn things around.

Italy, the reigning European champions, will face Switzerland in the last 16 of Euro 2024 on Saturday, having narrowly qualified from the group stage. The Azzurri secured second place in Group B with a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer from Mattia Zaccagni against Croatia, finishing five points behind Spain.Coach Luciano Spalletti expressed mixed emotions after the group stage, praising his team's progress while criticizing their timid performance in the final game. He also lashed out at media pressure, potentially attempting to deflect attention from his inability to ignite the team's full potential.Despite Spalletti's claims of improvement, Italy's performance has been unconvincing, lacking the flair and dominance of the side that triumphed at Euro 2020. Key players from that tournament, such as Manuel Locatelli, Ciro Immobile, and Marco Verratti, have been omitted from the squad, while veterans Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini have retired.Lazio forward Zaccagni, who scored the crucial equalizer against Croatia, remains optimistic about Italy's chances in the knockout rounds. "We're focused on preparing for a very important match against Switzerland," he said. "We know we can suffer at times, but we always come out strong when it matters."Switzerland, led by Murat Yakin, boasts several Serie A players, including Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer and Bologna trio Dan Ndoye, Remo Freuler, and Michel Aebischer. "Switzerland is a very compact team that plays for each other," added Zaccagni. "It will take a great performance to beat them."Italy will be without the suspended Riccardo Calafiori, but Zaccagni is confident despite suffering a rib injury in the celebration of his late goal. Questions remain over Italy's best formation, with Spalletti experimenting with different shapes. Holding midfielder Jorginho has struggled in particular, while strikers Mateo Retegui and Gianluca Scamacca have failed to impress.Switzerland, who also pipped Italy to qualification for the last World Cup, are no longer considered an easy opponent. They went through Group A unbeaten, holding Germany to a 1-1 draw in their final group game. That result may have been a blessing in disguise, as it placed Switzerland in the perceived easier half of the draw.Switzerland proved at Euro 2020 that they can upset the odds, knocking out France on penalties in the last 16 before losing to Spain in the quarter-finals. That victory will give them confidence to try and equal their best ever finish in the tournament by reaching the last eight."We know how to win and lose in the round of 16," said Freuler. "We need an even better performance than in the group games. Saturday has to be our best performance in recent years."The winner of the Italy-Switzerland clash will face England or Slovakia in the quarter-finals.

Italy's provisional squad for Euro 2024 has been announced, with Gianluca Scamacca earning a spot after his impressive performances for Atalanta. The 25-year-old striker has been in scintillating form, scoring 11 goals and assisting four more since March, helping Atalanta secure a historic Europa League triumph.Scamacca's inclusion is a testament to his resurgence under coach Luciano Spalletti, who had previously criticized the striker for his off-field habits. However, Scamacca's recent performances have forced Spalletti to reconsider, as Italy seeks to address its long-standing issue of finding reliable strikers.Inconsistent Ciro Immobile, a key figure in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph, has been dropped from the squad. Scamacca is expected to lead the line alongside Juventus star Federico Chiesa, who will be joined by surprise inclusion Nicolo Fagioli.Fagioli, a Juventus midfielder, has been included despite missing most of the season due to a gambling ban. His selection is part of a youth movement in the Italian squad, with several veterans from the last Euro victory being replaced.Marco Verratti, Manuel Locatelli, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, and Lorenzo Insigne are among the notable absentees. Spalletti will announce his final squad on June 6, which will face Spain, Croatia, and Albania in Group B.Italy will play pre-tournament friendlies against Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina early next month.