- Home
- When...
When Switzerland were the sleek Ferrari and Italy a Fiat Panda
After the 2-0 defeat, one Swiss journalist at the post-match presser asked Italy’s combustible manager Luciano Spalletti whether Switzerland were now the Ferrari and his team a Fiat Panda.
“You have to accept everything,” said Spalletti. “Even rather tasteless allusions like yours – you’re clearly a wonderful exponent of sarcasm.”
Fiat Panda would be being kind. A garbage truck would be more appropriate.
For anyone who didn’t watch this, 2-0 flattered Italy. They were bad, with no ability to string passes, no midfield creativity and poor defending, with only goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma looking the part.
So lifeless that former England striker Gary Lineker said on BBC: “I don’t think I’ve witnessed, in my lifetime, a worse Italian team than this.”
The feeble Azzurri were outplayed and out-thought by a sparkling Swiss side on a roll.
Spalletti and Fiat Panda
The 65-year-old weaved magic at Napoli last season to grab the club’s first Scudetto since the Diego Maradona-inspired triumph of 1990.
But five months into his term in Naples, disgruntled Napoli ultras stole the steering wheel from Spalletti’s Fiat Panda and declared they would only return it if he left the club.
The Napoli ultras eventually returned the steering wheel and CDs they had stolen from his car after he guided them to a first title in 33 years.
Italian fans were sporting Maradona jerseys in the stands yesterday and Spalletti was on the bench, but there was none of the profound, attacking football that made Napoli a joy to watch last season.
Azzurri choke on Swiss roll
At the ground where they won their fourth World Cup, beating France on penalties, Italy’s defence of their European crown came to a timid and bitter end.
Marcello Lippi’s team gained immortality in Berlin 18 years ago; Spalletti’s boys got only shame.
Spalletti bemoaned he only had 10 games before the tournament to whip into shape a side that failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, being in Germany only as runners-up to England in qualifying.
In their four matches, they reminded many of the current stale England who they beat three years ago in a shootout at Wembley to lift a third European championship title.
The Wembley conquest featured manager Roberto Mancini, who is now in Saudi Arabia, Marco Verratti in Qatar, Lorenzo Insigne in Canada, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci have retired, while Jorginho was yesterday left on the bench.
Of those who started in the defeat of England, only Donnarumma, defender Giovanni di Lorenzo, midfielder Nicolo Barella and forward Federico Chiesa made Spalletti’s starting XI.
There is talent in this squad but they lack character. Glaringly missing is the dexterity of Andrea Pirlo, the cunning of Marco Materazzi and the grizzly intellect of Bonucci and Chiellini.
Switzerland had more ambition and more urgency than Italy. Fresh from coming within a whisker of beating Germany in the group stage, Murat Yakin’s side ruled brilliantly.
They exhibited quality touches to produce two terrific goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas.
Granit Xhaka’s finest season in his career continued. He has yet to lose a match in Germany since joining Bayer Leverkusen and, as Spalletti dropped Jorginho, the Swiss captain ran the midfield.
Italy have embodied defensive hardiness in the past but the excellence at the back belonged to Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodriguez.
Switzerland have often been eclipsed by their various neighbours but a first win over Italy in three decades was a sequel to eliminating France in Euro 2020.
With England or Slovakia next on Saturday, July 6, the Swiss may not be finished yet.
Many can’t see England beating Switzerland. Actually, they can’t see England beating anyone.
Switzerland and Austria look dangerous on England’s side of the draw. Could we have another Denmark ’92 or Greece ‘04 outcome on our hands?
- https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/national/when-switzerland-were-the-sleek-ferrari-and-italy-a-fiat-panda/ar-BB1p8Hms?ocid=00000000
Related
Final nail in the coffin as airline is officially liquidated
The airline offered Australians in the regions a chance to snatch a holiday to tourist hotspots or see loved ones in under-serviced cities and towns at ultra-low prices.
NewsArchaeologists unearth 'significant' religious relic depicting Moses
Archaeologists have unearthed a 1,500-year-old relic decorated with Christian motifs, including Moses receiving the 10 Commandments and the ascension of Christ after the crucifixion.
News'Meaningless and deceitful': Anwar slammed over 'guaranteed' matriculation spots for non-Bumis
A rights advocate and an education pressure group say the 10As caveat means that nothing will change in the plight of non-Bumiputera students denied entry to public universities.
NewsKylian Mbappe celebrates in Jan Vertonghen's face minutes after heated exchange... after the Belgian defender accused the France captain of diving during Euro 2024 last-16 clash
Mbappe rubbed salt in the wounds of the former Tottenham defender as he ran straight to him and shouted words in the Belgan's direction after the own-goal.
News'Toughest pub in the world' closes after more than 130 years
An Aussie pub in Western Australia has closed its doors after more than 130 years, marking an end of a chequered era that once saw it dubbed the 'toughest in the world'.
NewsPM jokingly reprimands Home Minister for wearing batik in Parliament
KUALA LUMPUR: During a light moment in Parliament, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in jest, reprimanded Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail for not following the official Parliament dress code. Read full story
NewsSungai Bakap polls: Not true that Nor Zamri never raised water issues, says Abidin Ismail to DAP leaders
NIBONG TEBAL: Perikatan Nasional candidate Abidin Ismail has denied accusations from DAP leaders that the late Nor Zamri Latiff never raised the issue of water cuts in the constituency during state legislative sittings. Read full story
NewsGovt, TM sign deal to replace MERS999 system
Telekom Malaysia says the Next Generation Emergency Services system will improve response times, leveraging on AI and data analysis.
News