De Azzurri advances un-Italian to the 1/8th finals of the European Championship. With fierce football and a lot of urge to go forward, a weak Switzerland went for the axe. 23-year-old Manuel Locatelli gave his business card with two goals. Immobile made it 3-0 with a nice shot.
Three years ago, before the start of the 2018 World Cup, the Italian team seemed buried. For the first time in sixty years, the Azzurri was missing from a World Cup. Roberto Mancini then took charge and single-handedly resuscitated the Italian national team. Including the win against Switzerland, Italy is now unbeaten for no less than 29 games in a row. Longest of all countries participating in Euro 2021.
Against Switzerland, that series was never in danger. Spinazzola continued on the Italian left flank and played Mbabu hoordol. After ten minutes, Immobile had its first big head chance after a cross from the left wing defender, but it was veteran Chiellini who gave Italy the lead moments later on a corner. The 36-year-old defender was showered with hugs from his teammates, but VAR ruined the party by disallowing the goal for hand play. The party was completely ruined for Chiellini when he had to leave the field injured a few minutes later. As if the Italians wanted to honor their captain who is in his last tournament, the first attack after the substitution was the right one. Manuel Locatelli pushed in a cross from Berardi. Instead of the oldest fielder, this time it was the youngest fielder of the Italians in the base who scored. The 23-year-old midfielder has had a strong season with Sassuolo and is now continuing that line with the national team.
Although the Swiss barely resisted. They failed to create pace or danger. Embolo, who still impressed against Wales, barely got a usable ball. Shaqiri could not hide his few playing minutes at Liverpool this season and Seferovic had to make way for Gavranovic at half time. No, it wasn’t about Switzerland.
The Italians were faster and sharper. And just like in the game against the Turks, the Italians did not dig in after the lead. With Chiellini and Bonucci, the central defenders are still the same as they were a decade ago, but the days when de Azzurri only think about defense are behind us.
In the second half it was again Locatelli who gave his calling card. He was given a sea of time to dock from outside the box and you clearly shouldn’t give that to him. He blasted the leather low past Sommer into goal. 2-0. The man of the match was known. The resurrection is complete. Immobile made it 3-0 with a nice shot. Thanks to the six out of six, Italy is the first team to be sure of a spot in the 1/8th final. Group win is not yet certain. Switzerland still has to work hard in the last game of the group stage against Turkey on Sunday if it wants to advance to the knockout phase.
.
