Italy’s European Championship defence is ended after a 2-0 loss against Switzerland in Berlin.

Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji put on an almost faultless defensive performance as the holders scarcely troubled their opponents in the opening knockout round of EURO 2024.

Switzerland dominated throughout, and Remo Freuler’s superb finish eight minutes before halftime gave them a well-deserved lead.

With Akanji in the middle of defence, the Swiss were patient and dominated possession, and they could have gone ahead when Bree Embrolo sprinted clear but was denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

And shortly before halftime, the Italian goalkeeper produced another spectacular stop, scrambling Fabian Rieder’s free kick onto the post and wide.

However, only 27 seconds after the restart, the Swiss extended their lead with Ruben Vargas’ stunning strike into the top corner.

Italy almost had a lifeline when Fabian Schar’s misplaced header curled around the outside of the post.

Gianluca Scamacca also hit the post as they attempted to come back, but replays indicated he would have been flagged offside by VAR.

Switzerland will now face the winner of England’s last-16 match against Slovakia in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 6 at 17:00 (UK).