Italy came into the second matchday in Group A of EURO 2020 on the back of a convincing 3-0 win over Turkey, while Switzerland were a little unlucky to only draw 1-1 with Wales. The Italians were able to replicate the same scoreline once again in Rome, and arguably put on an even better performance to confirm their qualification to the round of 16, and also lay down a marker as one of the leading contenders for the tournament. Italy thought they had opened the scoring through captain Giorgio Chiellini, but he had handled the ball in the buildup and his goal was disallowed. Chiellini would soon depart with an injury as well, with Francesco Acerbi as his replacement, but this barely put a dent in Italy’s stride, as they finally opened the scoring via a combination between the Sassuolo pair of Domenico Berardi and Manuel Locatelli – the former receiving the ball in space on the right and driving forward before sending a low cross into the box that the latter converted. Switzerland did begin the second half in a much more aggressive manner, pressing Italy high up the pitch and trying to impose themselves on the game, but they were soon deflated as Locatelli scored his second goal of the night with a fierce left-footed shot from outside the area that arrowed into the bottom corner. It was the first time that Locatelli had scored twice in a game in his career, and Ciro Immobile added further gloss to the scoreline late on with his second goal in as many games at EURO 2020. Italy had never scored three goals at the European Championships before this tournament – they have now done so twice in the space of six days, and Roberto Mancini’s side have become one of the favourites for the tournament almost overnight. Check out our analytics report from this match for all the key statistics.
