Midfielder Gnanit Xhaka had a brilliant performance as Switzerland defeated Italy, the reigning Euro champions, thereby successfully recording their name in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
In the first match of the first round of 16 at Euro 2024, the Swiss national team showed why they are considered the dark horse of the tournament when they showed a liberal and coherent style, thereby excellently defeating the defending champion Italy and entering the quarter-finals for the second consecutive time.
In the above match, although he did not directly score, Gnanit Xhaka was definitely the name that left the clearest impression with his brilliant performance. The 31-year-old midfielder acts as a solid "backbone" for Switzerland in the ball deployment, while also contributing to the defensive front and turning the midfield into a solid base.
During his 90 minutes on the field, the former Arsenal star left behind impressive stats when he cleared the ball once, made 2/3 accurate long passes, created 3 good opportunities for his teammates, and really made 94 passes and achieved an accuracy rate of up to 96%.
With what he showed against Italy and at Euro 2024, Xhaka's class is unquestionable and the 31-year-old will certainly be the leader in helping Switzerland move towards further success and possibly causing many other big men to hold grudges.
Xhaka's brilliant performance completely overshadowed the Italian midfield trio, stars who have made their names at the world's top teams. Cristante, Fagioli and especially Barella were completely outclassed when they continuously lost the ball, along with a lack of creativity in decisive moves, indirectly making Auzzuri the former champion.
Returning to the above match, Switzerland and Italy gave fans an open game from the first minutes of the match. However, coach Murat Yakin's team was the one who took advantage of the opening goal of Freuler. Continuing the excitement, the "Land of Clocks" team doubled the gap after a great goal by Ruben Vargas in the second half. Despite their efforts in the remaining matches, Italy could not penetrate Yan Sommer's net once, thereby accepting defeat with a score of 0-2.
This victory helps Switzerland enter the round of 1/8 at a Euro for the second time in a row, and they will face the winner of the match between England and Slovakia.