Italy laid down a marker for their Euro 2020 rivals with a hugely impressive 3-0 victory over Switzerland to book their place in the last-16.
While the Swiss were very much second-best in Rome, the nature of Italy’s performance suggests they could be serious contenders for the European Championship following goals from Manuel Locatelli (two) and Ciro Immobile.
The Azzurri were tight in defence and pressed doggedly in midfield and attack at Stadio Olimpico, taking their chances seal their second win in two Group A games and secure a spot in the knockout stages.
There will still be top spot to play for against second-placed Wales next time out, but Italy look a match for any side at the Euros in this form, with Roberto Mancini’s side engineered for tournament football.
Midfielder Locatelli, 23, opened the scoring with a simple tap-in following Sassuolo team mate Domenico Berardi’s excellent run down the right wing, before he rifled a shot into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box early in the second half.
Immobile added a late third to secure back-to-back 3-0 wins for Italy in the tournament, extending their unbeaten run to 29 games, the last 10 of which have been victories where they have scored 31 goals and conceded none.
