Being very kind, we can say Italy did nothing except ruin their reputation in Germany in Euro 2024 after their unlikely win in Euro 2020. Italy was never the favourite even in the Euro 2020 when Giorgio Chiellini’s men played a game beyond tactics, which included shielding their goal with the firmest European defence.
Italy though never seemed to be the best-ever defending champions, and the likely chances of their exit even in the group stages existed until they scored a stunner against Croatia to qualify into the last 16.
However, the Azzurri seemed so uncomfortable against the Swiss opposition that there never seemed to be any chance of them going further. So meek a performance seemed to deprive them of their status as defending champions.
The stern Italian defence collapsed entirely as none of the players could leave the field with a reputation they stepped in with. Remo Freuler broke open the Italian defense only to score the opener against the Azzurri. Despite Donnarruma’s valiant efforts in front of their goal, the Azzurri could not pull much.
Ricardo Calafiori’s absence was felt at every inch of the game, especially Bastoni felt it most as the Inter man deserved to have some better players around him. With both flanks of the back line deprived, the mid-field failed highly. No Jorghino and an ineffective Barella in the Italian midfield, with Cristante unable to pose any threat.
Only to not insult Barella, we could excuse him by talking of his injury, as the world-class mid-fielder failed to pose any threat forward. Alongside him, one must be disappointed to see the regression of Chiesa. The rest of the forward line seemed to be chosen wrong, as Spalletti did not let Zaccagni start despite his efforts against Croatia that landed the Azzurri in the last 16.
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However, after Vargas scored the second against the European title holders, it seemed and was all over for Spalletti’s side, and they exited with firm humiliation from the Round of 16. While the Swiss entered the Quater-finals comfortably.