Roberto Mancini’s Italy have firmly established their reputation as one of the favourites to win the 2020 UEFA Euro, courtesy of their second consecutive 3-0 win. The Azzurri beat Switzerland to secure their place in the knockout stage – becoming the first team to do so.
Midfielder Manuel Locatelli’s breakout performance helped Italy beat Switzerland 3-0 in their second group game of the 2020 UEFA Euro. The Sassuolo man scored a brace on either side of the half-time break to secure the points for the Azzurri, while Ciro Immobile added a late third.
Earlier, Gareth Bale put in a brilliant performance as Wales beat Turkey in their second match. Wales are second in the group with four points and play Italy on the final matchday.
Giorgio Chiellini thought he had given Italy the lead early in the first half before his goal was ruled out for a handball in the build-up. To make matters worse, Chiellini was shortly subbed off due to an injury and replaced by Francesco Acerbi.
Nevertheless, Italy took the lead in the 26th minute through Locatelli. The youngster started the move, which ended in his goal through a superb first-time volleyed pass out to the right flank to clubmate Domenico Berardi. He on and beat his man inside the box before playing the ball towards the corridor of uncertainty, where it was smashed in by Locatelli.
Locatelli scored his second of the night shortly after the half-time break. The midfielder collected the ball on the edge of the box from Nicolo Barella before unleashing a fierce shot which took a deflection and nestled into the corner.
Ciro Immobile continued his fine form by scoring his second goal of the tournament in the 89th minute. Rafael Toloi’s high-pressing resulted in a turnover for Italy. The ball went straight to Immobile, who took a touch before firing in a long-range shot into the bottom left corner.
Italy are through to the knockout stage and are likely to be joined by Wales, who beat Turkey earlier. Bale provided two brilliant assists, the first a perfectly-timed lofted ball into the box, which Aaron Ramsey converted. Bale missed a penalty in the second half but made up for it by assisting Connor Roberts’ goal deep into second-half stoppage time.
