Euro 2024: Luciano Spalletti lists two reasons for Italy’s meek display against Switzerland

Italy boss Luciano Spalletti blamed the Azzurri’s wretched showing against Switzerland on a lack of “tempo and sharpness”. 

The Swiss notched two goals either side of the half-time break through Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas, continuing their undefeated start to 2024 to leave the Azzurri with much to ponder. 

Italy had an underwhelming showing at Euro 2024, coming from behind to defeat Albania in their group B opener, losing docilely to Spain and needing a late Mattia Zaccagni equaliser against Croatia to avoid an early exit in their title defence. 

They got no such good fortune against Murat Yakin’s men, who dominated proceedings and deserved their victory in Berlin. 

The former Napoli boss shed light on Italy’s loss at Euro 2024 which means the last three defending European champions have been eliminated in the round of 16, with Spain losing to the Azzurri in 2016 and Portugal eliminated by Belgium in the previous tournament. 

“It’s true that the goal at the start of the second half knocked the confidence out of us. Even if we were in their half, we were not incisive,” Spalletti told RAI Sport.  

“What made the difference was the tempo, we were too slow compared to them in the first half. Even in terms of individuals, there was a different tempo of the movements and the duels.  

“Unfortunately, sharpness and tempo make the difference. Last time I thought perhaps if I gave them time to recover and change a few players, they’d be sharper. At this moment, for too many reasons, we are unable to do more than this right now.”

It remains to be seen if Italy retains Spalletti after their disappointing Euro 2024 elimination, with the local press piling on the Azzurri after a mediocre showing in Germany.