Switzerland secured a strong start to their Euro 2024 campaign with a 3-1 win over Hungary, joining Germany at the top of Group A.
Germany had previously defeated Scotland 5-1 in the tournament’s opening match.
Switzerland took the lead with goals from Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebischer, controlling the game by halftime.
However, Hungary fought back when Dominik Szoboszlai set up Barnabas Varga to reduce the deficit, putting Switzerland under pressure.
Breel Embolo, returning from an injury-hit season, sealed the victory with a skillful chip.
Duah, playing just his second game for Switzerland, opened the scoring with a low shot past goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, assisted by Aebischer.
Aebischer then doubled the lead before halftime with a curling shot from the edge of the box after eluding Attila Fiola.
Hungary’s hopes were briefly revived in the 66th minute when Varga scored with a diving header from Szoboszlai’s cross, igniting celebrations among the Hungarian fans.
Despite continued pressure, Hungary couldn’t find an equalizer. Switzerland now sits second in Group A after Germany’s commanding win over Scotland.
This marked Hungary’s first competitive loss since September 2022.
In a separate match, Italy overcame conceding the fastest goal in European Championship history — just 23 seconds in — to win 2-1 over Albania.
Meanwhile, Albania made substitutions, bringing on Hoxha for Asani and Laci for Seferi.
Italy continued to push forward, with Chiesa earning a corner off Mitaj, leading to a sequence where Di Lorenzo’s header was deflected behind and Asllani cleared Dimarco’s subsequent corner.
Italy maintained pressure, combining well as Barella’s pass to Frattesi resulted in a shot landing on the net’s roof. Despite Albania’s possession spells, Italy’s defense held firm.
Jorginho’s intercepted through ball and Bastoni’s long pass to Hysaj highlighted Italy’s attacking attempts, culminating in Chiesa’s shot curling wide.
Italy’s Scamacca and Pellegrini combined well, forcing another save from Strakosha. Albania, though controlling possession at times, failed to create clear chances, with Donnarumma easily collecting a long ball. Asllani’s free-kick hit the wall, and a red card check on Broja resulted in a yellow instead.
Italy’s midfield found space, with Barella and Scamacca involved in another attack that broke down. Broja won a foul near Italy’s box after being fouled by Calafiori, who received a booking.
Nedim Bajrami capitalized on a throw-in mistake by Federico Dimarco, shooting past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Italy quickly responded, with Bastoni heading in Lorenzo Pellegrini’s cross in the 11th minute, followed by Nicolo Barella’s first-time shot from the edge of the area, putting Italy ahead. Barella was among five players remaining from Italy’s victorious 2021 European Championship final squad.
